Cookbook:Akabenz (Rwandan Fried Chicken)
| Akabenz (Rwandan Fried Chicken) | |
|---|---|
| Category | African recipes |
| Difficulty |  |
Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Recipes
Akabenz is a popular Rwandan dish consisting of crispy and flavorful fried chicken. This dish is loved for its juicy and tender meat, paired with a crispy outer coating. It is often served as a main course with various side dishes or enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Ingredients
[edit | edit source]- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken pieces
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Equipment
[edit | edit source]- Large frying pan
- Paper towels
- Tongs
Procedure
[edit | edit source]- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat each piece of chicken with the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be fully cooked.
- Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.
Notes, tips, and variations
[edit | edit source]- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk, garlic, and spices for a few hours before coating them in the seasoned flour.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less of each spice to suit your preference for spiciness and flavor.
- Serve with traditional Rwandan side dishes like isombe (cassava leaves with eggplant) or mizuzu (fried plantains) for a complete meal.
- Chicken is a good source of protein.