Poulet DG: Cameroon's "Director General" Dish — Recipe and Secrets

What is poulet DG?

Poulet DG (Directeur Général) is a Cameroonian dish made of fried chicken pieces then simmered in a colourful vegetable tomato sauce, served with pieces of fried plantain. Its presentation is generous, colourful and flavourful — exactly the kind of meal a managing director deserves.

What sets poulet DG apart from other African chicken dishes: the double cooking (frying then simmering), the plantain-chicken-vegetable sauce combination, and above all the dish's festive, generous character. It's the dish for major occasions: christenings, weddings, end-of-year celebrations and family reunions.

Why is it called poulet DG?

There are several versions of this name's story. The most widespread: this dish appeared in upscale restaurants in Douala and Yaoundé in the 1980s-1990s, where "directeurs généraux" (senior company executives) came for lunch. This hearty meal, expensive to make and visually impressive, became their signature dish.

Whatever the real story, the name stuck, and poulet DG became a mainstream celebration dish for all Cameroonian families, including within the global diaspora.

The technique: double cooking

The secret to poulet DG lies in its double cooking. The chicken pieces are first fried until they get a nicely golden, crispy crust, then simmered in the vegetable sauce until tender all the way through and infused with flavour. The plantain, also fried separately, is added at the end to keep its slightly crispy texture.

The essential vegetables

A successful poulet DG must be colourful! Classic vegetables: bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced carrots, green beans, button mushrooms. For the sauce: fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, garlic and celery. Seasoning: stock cube, salt, pepper, chilli to taste, thyme and bay leaf.

The poulet DG recipe and variations

Poulet DG and Cameroonian dish recipes

Poulet DG — The Cameroonian "Managing Director" Dish

85 min

Kitchen tools for Cameroonian cooking

To make a great poulet DG, you'll need a large, thick-bottomed pot or casserole. Find our selection of tools suited to African cooking.

Casseroles and pots for African cooking

Antiarina Universal Stockpot with 2 Handles - Afro-Caribbean Cooking

29,67 €

Giant 35L Stainless Steel Stockpot - Creole Cooking & Restaurant

69,99 €

Set of 6 Modern Design Stainless Steel Pots - African & Caribbean Cooking

93,79 €

3-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set - Heavy-Duty Pots for Afro-Caribbean Cooking

34,43 €

Borosilicate Glass Saucepan - Heat-Resistant with Lid

40,87 €

CAST LINE Cast Iron Dutch Oven 28cm - 5.9L Authentic Black

62,82 €

Granite Pot 4.2L with Glass Lid - Afro-Caribbean Cooking

52,02 €