Welcome to the vibrant flavors of Ivorian cuisine! Poulet Braisé, or grilled chicken, is a beloved dish in Côte d'Ivoire, known for its rich marinade and succulent taste. This recipe captures the essence of Ivorian street food culture, where roadside grills fill the air with tantalizing aromas, enticing locals and visitors alike. With a blend of aromatic spices and a perfectly charred exterior, this Poulet Braisé recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the bustling markets and lively streets of Abidjan. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind this delectable Ivorian delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1-Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, grated ginger, tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

2-Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.

Grill the Chicken:

1- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are hot and glowing.

2- Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and discard the remaining marinade.

3- Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

4- Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.

Enjoy: Dig in and savor the delicious flavors of Côte d'Ivoire Poulet Braisé! Serve with your favorite sides such as fried plantains, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete Ivorian meal experience.

Now, sit back, relax, and indulge in the taste of Ivorian street food right in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Côte d'Ivoire Poulet Braisé recipe:

Whole Chicken (about 3.5 lbs or 1.6 kg):

• Calories: 1565 kcal
• Protein: 214 g
• Fat: 76 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and iron.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28 g
• No significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, or fiber.

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, necessary for hormone production and nutrient absorption.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Supports immune system function.
• Contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Onion (1 medium-sized):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Fat: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health.
• Provides vitamins C and B6, which are important for immune function and energy metabolism.

Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Fat: 0.2 g

benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate muscle pain and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Supports digestion and may relieve nausea and vomiting.
• Contains antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.9 g
• Fiber: 1.4 g
• Fat: 0.2 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
• Provides vitamins A and C, essential for immune function and skin health.
• Contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Fat: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Source of plant-based protein, beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.
• Contains essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
• Provides flavor without adding significant calories or fat.

Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor with a tangy, savory taste.
• Contains vinegar, which may aid digestion and promote gut health.
• Provides a small amount of vitamins and minerals from the ingredients used in its preparation.

Honey or Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 64 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17.3 g
• No significant amounts of protein, fiber, or fat.

benefits:

• Provides quick energy due to its high sugar content.
• Adds sweetness to dishes without the need for refined sugar.
• Contains antioxidants and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Fat: 0.3 g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids, which support immune function and eye health.
• Adds flavor and color to dishes without adding significant calories or fat.

Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Fat: 0.3 g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain.
• Provides vitamins A and C, important for immune function and skin health.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric content.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional):

• Negligible caloric content.

Lemon Wedges (for serving):

• Negligible caloric content.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific ingredients used.