There’s something about grilled chicken that brings a smile to every face. While we’ve all had our share of KFC and barbeque grills, here’s introducing you to a very simple, straightforward, and delicious grilled chicken to sink your teeth into – Togo Grilled Chicken! An original recipe from the heartland of Togo, a small African country bordering Ghana, the Togolese love this recipe. Mrs. Essowedeou, who sells eggs and chicken to feed her family, tells us, “Sometimes all you need is good chicken to bring you a bit of joy.”
Marinating
So are you ready to dig into this lip-smacking Togolese winner? This fuss-free recipe rests on a simple marinating of three basic ingredients- ginger, garlic, and onion. Bring on some cayenne pepper if you’re feeling hot; and to go really Togolese, shake on a mix of red palm oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate overnight for best results, and slow cook the chicken legs.
Ingredients
10 Chicken legs (other pieces will do as well)
2 Tbsp ginger, freshly grated
8 cloves garlic, freshly crushed
2 Tbsp red palm oil (use any other oil if unavailable)
Salt as per taste
Pepper and Cayenne pepper ( if you like it hot)
1 onion, chopped into large rings
Traditionally served with cornmeal cakes (called Djenkoume), sliced onions, and tomatoes.
Method
Step 1: First, get your feet tapping to Togolese beats! Now rub on the first batch of ingredients (ginger, garlic, red palm oil, salt, and pepper/s).
Step 2: Next, toss in the onion and mix well in a large bowl. Let the Marinate sit for thirty minutes at least, and overnight if possible.
Step 3: Set the grill to medium heat (about 450F). Grill chicken till done, separating the onion rings. (You can also use an oven to roast the chicken)
Step 4: Grill onions separately so as not to burn them.
Your chicken is ready!
Serve on your table with Togo betas playing in the background. And watch your family break into a happy dance.