Galinha à Zambeziana (Zambezi-Style Coconut Chicken)
Local name: Galinha à zambeziana
In short: Chicken marinated in lemon, garlic and piri-piri, then braised in coconut milk with peppers until tender and glossy. A festive dish named for Zambézia. It takes about 1 h 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 1 h 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 630 kcal
Galinha à zambeziana is named for Zambézia province in the center-north of Mozambique, where coconut palms line the coast. Chicken is marinated in lemon, garlic and piri-piri, browned, then braised in the oven in coconut milk with onion and red pepper until the meat is tender and the top is lightly browned. It is a festive dish, softer and saucier than grilled piri-piri chicken, and is eaten with white rice.
Instructions
- Mix the chicken with the lemon juice, garlic, chilies and salt. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Heat the oil in a large oven-safe pan and brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then set it aside.
- Cook the onion and pepper in the same pan for 6 minutes until softened. Add the tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water, add the pepper and scrape up the browned bits. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up.
- Cover and braise in the oven for 35 minutes. Uncover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and the sauce is thick with a lightly browned top.
- Scatter with coriander and serve over rice.
Tips
- For a smoky finish, grill the marinated chicken over charcoal for 10 minutes before adding it to the sauce.
- Use full-fat coconut milk. Light versions give a thin sauce that does not thicken properly.
Questions and answers
How is galinha à zambeziana different from piri-piri chicken?
Piri-piri chicken is grilled with a fiery marinade and basted with sauce. Zambeziana is braised in coconut milk, which makes it saucier and milder.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, but dilute it with extra water, about 1 part water to 2 parts cream, or the sauce will be too rich and heavy.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. The flavor improves overnight. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat gently, covered, in a 160°C (325°F) oven or on the stove.
How long does it take to make Galinha à Zambeziana (Zambezi-Style Coconut Chicken)?
About 1 h 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Galinha à Zambeziana (Zambezi-Style Coconut Chicken)?
About 630 kcal per serving, with 35 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 50 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 630 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 50 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
