At the table
Cut the chicken into portions and separate the meat from bones. Eat with some of the sauce; check the chili level before adding more.
Bone-in chicken needs care when eating. This preparation contains milk and coconut; other versions may use peanuts. Ask about the sauce and cooking fat if relevant to your dietary needs.
This version uses evaporated milk, shredded coconut, allspice, coriander seed, paprika, lemon and black pepper, with ground or fresh chili. Butter or oil may be used for basting. Other recipes use coconut milk, peanut butter or five-spice powder. Chili heat varies by recipe and amount.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The chicken can be grilled or oven-roasted. Chili sauces and seasonings vary by preparation.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Coconut, chili and warm spices.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Sauce-coated grilled chicken.
- How it’s made
- Marinate; grill or roast and baste.
The chicken can be grilled or oven-roasted. Chili sauces and seasonings vary by preparation.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Macau.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有非洲雞吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A spiced roast in Macau
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
African chicken is part of Macau’s Macanese cooking tradition. In this preparation, a flattened chicken takes on a marinade of coconut, evaporated milk, garlic, onion and spices before grilling or roasting. Basting builds a sauce-coated surface, while lemon juice adds a tart finish. The name does not describe one fixed recipe: other versions use different spice mixtures and sauces.