Coconut Chicken Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

22

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Coconut Chicken Recipe: A Tropical Delight

This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and aromatic coconut chicken dish. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and is surprisingly easy to make! The creamy coconut sauce is the star, complementing the tender chicken beautifully. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

• For the Coconut Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions: Seasoning and Searing the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly. This step ensures the chicken is well-seasoned and develops a nice sear.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and a beautiful texture to the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Creamy Coconut Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your sauce.

2. Create the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Stir well to combine. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) for a touch of spice. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Combining and Serving

1. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. This gentle simmering process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the coconut sauce.

2. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve the coconut chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
• Add vegetables: Include your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas during the simmering stage.
• Make it a curry: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the sauce for a more flavorful twist.
• Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or firm fish.

Enjoy your delicious and easy coconut chicken recipe! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your culinary creations using #CoconutChickenRecipe!