Main Course · Dinner · African ·

African Hazel Cocoa Spiced Chicken with Plantain Mash

Name: African Hazel Cocoa Spiced Chicken with Plantain Mash
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skin on; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened; 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 large ripe plantains, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt, to taste; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; Fresh cilantro leaves; Chopped hazelnuts

Delight your senses with this tantalizing dish that blends savory chicken with the warmth of hazelnut and cocoa, complemented by a creamy plantain mash.

4.9(676 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 20, 2026

African Hazel Cocoa Spiced Chicken with Plantain Mash — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinated Chicken

For the Plantain Mash

For the Spice Blend

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 800 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbs: 65 g
Fat: 45 g
Fiber: 8.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3200 kcal
Protein: 140 g
Carbs: 260 g
Fat: 180 g
Fiber: 34 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
4 chicken thighs skin on	960	80	0	70	0
2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened	24	1	6	1	4
2 tablespoons hazelnut oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 teaspoon smoked paprika	6	0	1	0	1
2 cloves garlic minced	9	0	2	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
3 large ripe plantains peeled and chopped	1080	6	270	2	16
1/2 cup coconut milk	200	2	4	22	0
2 tablespoons butter	204	0	0	23	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon cumin seeds	8	0	1	1	1
1 teaspoon coriander seeds	5	0	1	1	1
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon	3	0	1	0	1
1/2 teaspoon allspice	2	0	1	0	0
Fresh cilantro leaves	1	0	0	0	0
Chopped hazelnuts	462	4	3	32	10

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Combine Marinade
In a large bowl, combine cocoa powder, hazelnut oil, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Tip: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
2
Coat Chicken
Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

Preparing the Plantain Mash

1
Boil Plantains
Boil plantain pieces in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes).
Tip: Ensure plantains are fully ripe to avoid a starchy mash.
2
Drain and Mash
Drain and return to pot. Add coconut milk and butter.
3
Mash Smooth
Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
Tip: Add a dash of nutmeg to the plantain mash for extra warmth.

How to Make African Hazel Cocoa Spiced Chicken with Plantain Mash

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Toast and Grind Spices
In a dry skillet, toast cumin and coriander seeds until fragrant. Grind to a powder and mix with cinnamon and allspice.
2
Sear Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs, skin-side down, until golden (about 5 minutes).
3
Bake Chicken
Transfer seared chicken to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with the spice blend, and bake for 30 minutes until cooked through.