Chicken in Coconut Sauce
A flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy coconut sauce. This recipe brings together the subtle sweetness of coconut with aromatic spices, making it the perfect dish for dinner. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy. Ideal for those looking for a lactose-free and egg-free recipe, Chicken in Coconut Sauce offers a burst of Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2 |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Hot water | 55 ml |
| Creamed coconut (or coconut milk) | 300 ml |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 479.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 22.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 136.9 mg |
| Sodium Content | 169.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 12.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 2.4 g |
| Protein Content | 56.3 g |
Recipe Instructions
-
Prepare the Aromatics
Start by peeling and finely chopping the onions. Then, peel and crush the garlic cloves to release their aromatic oils. Set both aside. -
-
Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the ground ginger, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices will infuse the chicken with an irresistible flavor. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken gently for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Once done, lift the chicken breasts from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Use another paper towel to blot off any remaining oil, ensuring the chicken stays tender. -
Add Lemon and Spice
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated with the aromatic blend. The lemon juice will balance the heat of the chili powder and add a burst of freshness. -
Prepare the Coconut Sauce
Grate the creamed coconut finely and place it into a bowl. Pour the hot water over the grated coconut, and whisk it until the coconut dissolves and resembles milk. This coconut mixture will form the creamy base of your sauce. -
Cook the Aromatics
Reheat the oil in the same frying pan. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking them over low heat until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic and allow the flavors to meld together. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the onions and garlic are cooked, return the chicken breasts to the frying pan. Pour the prepared coconut sauce over the chicken and stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated in the fragrant sauce. -
Simmer and Cook Through
Cover the pan with a lid and cook the chicken in the coconut sauce for about 20 minutes. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly and soak up the flavors of the coconut and spices. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency, it’s ready to serve. Pair this delicious Chicken in Coconut Sauce with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for more.
Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: For a heartier meal, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or green beans to the sauce, giving the dish a boost of color and texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chili slices.
- Coconut Milk: If you prefer a more liquid sauce, feel free to use canned coconut milk instead of creamed coconut. This will create a thinner sauce but still maintain the rich coconut flavor.
- Rice Variations: Serve the chicken over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken in Coconut Sauce recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner choice that’s both quick and flavorful. With a balance of sweet coconut, warming spices, and tender chicken, it provides a nourishing meal that the whole family can enjoy. It’s also versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted vegetables, ensuring that it will always be a crowd-pleaser at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your rotation.
Keywords: Poultry, Coconut, Fruit, Nuts, Meat, Thai, Asian, Lactose Free, Egg Free, < 60 Mins
