As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
At a glance: South African Braai Chicken — Spiced Grilled Chicken in Tallow: serves 4, cooked in tallow, with no seed oils.
New to cooking with tallow? Our guide explains what tallow is and how to render it.
Braai — the South African word for barbecue — is a cultural institution, not just a cooking method. Braai chicken is typically marinated in a combination of peri peri (chilli), garlic, fresh rosemary, and citrus. Tallow or lard is the traditional basting fat — it handles the high heat of wood-fired coals without burning and creates a crust that seed oil marinades cannot match.
South African Braai Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- 3 tbsp beef tallow, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 red chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check label for seed oils)
- Sea salt and black pepper
Method
- Blend together the melted tallow, garlic, chillies, rosemary, smoked paprika, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Score the chicken pieces deeply with a sharp knife. Rub the marinade into every surface and into the cuts. Marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare a grill for medium heat (or preheat oven to 200°C). Reserve some marinade for basting.
- Grill the chicken, turning and basting with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes. Total cooking time: 35-40 minutes until skin is charred and caramelised and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes. Serve with pap (maize porridge), chakalaka, or braai bread.
What is the best fat for braai chicken?
Tallow handles the high heat of coals without burning and creates a harder, more flavourful crust than any vegetable oil marinade.
Can I cook this in an oven?
Yes — roast at 200°C for 40 minutes, turning and basting every 10 minutes. The oven result is excellent though without the smoke flavour.
Is this recipe seed oil free?
Yes. Beef tallow is the only fat.
Follow Savannah: @theefoodiekitchen · All Links
Find more in: African recipes · Dinner & Main Dishes recipes · Beef tallow recipes · All recipes
African, Hawaiian, Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, Exotic, Chicken, Rice, Cookies, Coffee, Spices, Plants, World Cuisine, 30-Minute Dinners and more.
View All Books on Amazon →