Koklo Meme—Spicy Grilled Togolese Chicken

Smoky, Bold & Full of Home Flavour

Koklo Mémé is a much-loved Togolese grilled chicken dish, seasoned generously with spices and peppers, then grilled until smoky and deeply flavourful. It’s often enjoyed at gatherings, evenings with friends, or as a comforting weekend meal. Simple ingredients, bold taste, and pure joy.

🍽️ Servings

Serves 4 people

📝 Ingredients

• Whole chicken, cut into pieces – 1.2 kg
• Onion, blended – 1 medium
• Garlic, crushed – 3 cloves
• Ginger, grated – 1 tablespoon
• Fresh chilli peppers, blended – 2 (adjust to taste)
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1½ teaspoons (or to taste)
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice or vinegar – 1 tablespoon

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions

1. Clean the chicken
   Wash chicken pieces thoroughly and drain well.
2. Prepare the marinade
   In a bowl, mix onion, garlic, ginger, chilli, paprika, black pepper, salt, oil, and lemon juice.
3. Marinate the chicken
   Rub the marinade generously over the chicken pieces.
   Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
4. Grill the chicken
   Preheat grill, oven grill, or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
   Grill the chicken for 35–45 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden, smoky, and fully cooked.
5. Rest & serve
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve hot with:

• Fried plantains
• Pepper sauce
• Rice or Akume
• Fresh salad

🌸 Mani’s Tips

• Charcoal grilling gives the best smoky flavour, but oven grilling works beautifully too.
• Don’t rush the grilling — slow heat keeps the chicken juicy.
• If the chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat and continue cooking gently.
• Leftover Koklo Mémé tastes even better the next day.

🤍 Mani’s Blessing

May this smoky, comforting dish bring laughter to your table
and remind you that shared meals create the sweetest memories.
May warmth, love, and togetherness always find their way into your home. 🔥🤍