Poulet DG (Beninese Style)
A popular dish in Benin, 'Poulet DG' translates to 'Director's Chicken' and features chicken pieces stir-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce, often served with fried plantains.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 3 ripe Plantains(for frying)
- 2 medium Onions(1 chopped, 1 sliced)
- 2 mixed colors Bell peppers(sliced)
- 2 medium Carrots(julienned)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 150 ml Vegetable oil(for frying chicken and plantains)
- 1 optional Stock cube
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of stock cube if using. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Heat about 100ml of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. - 3
Peel and slice the plantains. Fry them in the remaining hot oil until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Use ripe plantains for sweetness. - 4
In the same pan (drain excess oil if needed), add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a sauce, about 5 minutes.
- 6
Add the sliced bell peppers and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 7
Return the fried chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- 8
Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the onions are slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch.
- 9
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 10
Serve the Poulet DG hot, garnished with the fried plantains on the side or mixed in.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier version, add chopped chili peppers along with the bell peppers.
- ✓Ensure chicken is cooked through but still moist.
- ✓The 'DG' (Director) in the name implies a dish fit for a special occasion or important guest.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like green beans or peas.
- Use beef or pork instead of chicken.
- Serve with rice or boiled yams instead of plantains.