Description
A tropical delight, Coconut Chicken features tender chicken pieces in a creamy coconut sauce with a symphony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (or achiote oil)
- 1 lb (450 g) skinless chicken
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp achiote/annatto powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 medium yellow onion (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tomato (minced)
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 can (450 ml) unsweetened canned coconut milk (room temperature)
- 2 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
- Cilantro (optional, chopped, for topping)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with paprika, cumin, coriander, achiote (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add a splash more oil if needed, then toss in the minced onion, garlic, and tomato. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato sauce or ketchup, blending for an additional minute. Sprinkle the shredded coconut and let it bloom for about 2–4 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and mix into a cohesive sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Add the bay leaves, and let it simmer on low-medium heat for about 10–15 minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with chopped cilantro, alongside rice or plantains.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Substitute chicken with boneless skinless thighs for richer taste or use almond milk for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Coconut Chicken, Tropical Chicken, Caribbean Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner