Poulet Mayonnaise

A flavorful Congolese chicken dish where chicken pieces are marinated, fried until golden, and then coated in a creamy, tangy mayonnaise-based sauce, often with a hint of spice. It's a popular and comforting meal.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Poulet Mayonnaise - Democratic Republic of the Congo traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken pieces(e.g., thighs, drumsticks, cut into serving sizes)
  • 200 g Mayonnaise
  • 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Hot sauce(or to taste)
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
  • 4 tbsp Vegetable oil(for frying)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.

    💡 Tip: Ensure even coating for consistent flavor.
  2. 2

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.

    💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.
  3. 3

    Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

    💡 Tip: This step helps to keep the chicken crispy.
  4. 4

    In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce until well combined.

    💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more hot sauce or lemon juice as desired.
  5. 5

    Return the fried chicken to the skillet (or a clean pan if preferred). Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken.

    💡 Tip: Ensure all chicken pieces are coated.
  6. 6

    Gently toss the chicken in the sauce over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce is heated through and coats the chicken evenly. Do not overcook, as the mayonnaise can split.

    💡 Tip: Low heat is crucial to prevent the sauce from breaking.
  7. 7

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It is often served with rice or frites (fries).

    💡 Tip: Garnish adds freshness and visual appeal.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding the mayonnaise sauce.
  • The key is to heat the sauce gently to avoid curdling.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a richer flavor.
  • Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or carrots into the sauce for added texture and color.
  • Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes before frying for deeper flavor.

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