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.

🧂 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
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even coating for consistent flavor. - 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
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
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
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
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
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.