Coconut Chicken Bites
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 30
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 400g |
| Coconut milk | 100ml |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Fresh mint leaves | 5 leaves |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Sparkling water | 150ml |
| Shredded coconut flour | as needed |
| All-purpose flour | 100g |
| Peanut oil (for frying) | as needed |
Instructions:
-
Prep the Chicken:
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy serving. Set aside. -
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, lemon juice, and mint leaves (torn into smaller pieces). Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. -
Prepare the Batter:
While the chicken marinates, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, mix the sparkling water with all-purpose flour to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be smooth and slightly runny, similar to pancake batter. -
Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade and place it in a colander to drain off excess liquid. Heat peanut oil in a large pan or deep fryer to about 180°C (350°F). While the oil is heating, prepare a shallow tray with shredded coconut flour for coating. -
Fry the Chicken Bites:
Using a fork, dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, roll it in the shredded coconut flour to create a nice, even coating. Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, for about 5 minutes or until golden and crispy. Turn the pieces occasionally to ensure even frying. -
Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil. Place the cooked chicken bites on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining pieces of chicken. -
Enjoy:
Serve the coconut chicken bites hot, straight from the fryer. These crispy, juicy bites are perfect as a snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Tips:
- For a lighter batter: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch to achieve a crispier coating.
- For added flavor: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or a homemade yogurt-based dip.
These Coconut Chicken Bites offer the perfect combination of crispy, golden exteriors and juicy, tender chicken. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a tropical twist to a classic appetizer!
