Poulet DG: the Cameroonian ‘Director General’ chicken recipe

Born in 1980s Douala, Poulet DG (« Director General ») was the dish served to big bosses: firm chicken, fried ripe plantains, sautéed vegetables and a short, ginger-scented sauce. Today it is the star of restaurants and grand family tables. Here is how to nail it.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 large firm chicken (1.8–2 kg), cut into pieces
• 4 well-ripened plantains
• 3 carrots, 200 g green beans, 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper
• 4 fresh tomatoes, 2 onions, 4 garlic cloves, fresh ginger
• Parsley, celery, leek (the Cameroonian « bouquet »)
• Frying oil, salt, white pepper, chilli to taste

Method (1 h 15)

1. The chicken: season the pieces (garlic, ginger, salt, pepper), brown them in hot oil, then set aside. A firm chicken then needs about 20 min of simmering to tenderise.
2. The plantains: cut into thick diagonal slices and fry until golden. Drain on kitchen paper.
3. The vegetables: blanch carrots and beans for 5 min; slice peppers and onions.
4. The sauce: sweat onion, garlic and ginger, then add the crushed tomatoes with the chopped bouquet. Add a glass of stock, return the chicken, simmer 15–20 min.
5. Assembly: add the vegetables then the fried plantains, fold gently for 5 min — the plantains should soak up the sauce without falling apart. Serve piping hot.

The secrets of a great DG

• Firm chicken, not over-tender industrial broiler: the texture makes the dish.
• Plantains ripe but not black: sweet, and they hold up to frying.
• A short sauce: DG is not a stew — everything should be coated, not drowned.

Frequently asked questions

Why « Poulet DG »?

Because this rich dish was originally reserved for « Directors General » — the prestigious patrons of 1980s Douala restaurants.

Which chicken should I use?

A firm chicken (free-range or spent layer) for the bite; failing that, a large broiler, reducing the simmering time.

Can it be made ahead?

Yes, but add the fried plantains at the last moment so they stay golden.

Pas le temps de cuisiner ? Trouvez un restaurant

Envie de savourer ce plat sans passer aux fourneaux — ou, si vous tenez un restaurant ou un service traiteur, envie de le proposer à plus de clients ? Découvrez les restaurants et traiteurs référencés sur Jangolo.

Read also

Try another Cameroonian classic: Ndolé with shrimp and beef. Want to sell your free-range chickens? Post on Jangolo.