Oven-Fried Chicken and Bananas Recipe
An exotic twist on a classic dish, featuring crispy oven-fried chicken and sweet tropical bananas, drenched in creamy coconut milk and butter for a truly indulgent meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (pieces) | 6 pieces |
| Cream of Coconut | 1 can |
| Coconut Milk | 2 cups |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Bananas | 6 ripe bananas |
| Butter | 2 ½ tablespoons |
| Margarine | ¾ tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1503 kcal |
| Total Fat | 99.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 41.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 401.2 mg |
| Sodium | 623.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 63.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 41.2 g |
| Protein | 87.3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning all sides of the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that each piece of chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned, forming the base for the rest of the dish. -
-
Mix the Coconut Liquid
In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk and fresh lemon juice. The coconut milk adds a creamy tropical flavor, while the lemon juice helps to balance the richness of the coconut, making the marinade both tangy and smooth. -
Prepare the Bananas
Peel and slice the bananas into chunks. Dip each banana piece into the coconut liquid mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Afterward, roll the banana pieces in cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well to the fruit. This step will give the bananas a crispy exterior as they bake. -
Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the same coconut liquid mixture, allowing it to soak up the flavors. Then, roll the chicken in the cornflake crumbs, pressing firmly to help the crumbs adhere to the surface. This creates a crispy crust for the chicken when it bakes. -
Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle half of the butter over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly spread. This will help the chicken develop a golden, crispy texture while baking. -
Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet with the chicken in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The coating should be crispy and slightly browned by the end of this baking time. -
Add the Bananas
After the chicken has baked for 45 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven. Carefully add the prepared banana pieces around the chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining butter over the bananas. This will allow the bananas to caramelize slightly while maintaining their sweetness and texture. -
Finish Baking
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. During this time, the bananas will soften and caramelize, infusing the dish with a sweet and rich tropical flavor that complements the savory chicken. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the bananas are golden and tender, remove from the oven and serve immediately. The result is a savory-sweet combination that’s both crispy and tender, with a delightful contrast between the crispy chicken and the soft, caramelized bananas.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a family lunch or a unique snack. The rich flavors of the coconut and bananas pair wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra burst of freshness, consider serving it with a side of mango salsa or a tangy citrus salad.
Note: You can use boneless chicken pieces if you prefer, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. This will also reduce the overall cooking time, making it a quicker, yet equally delicious meal.
This Oven-Fried Chicken and Bananas recipe brings together the comfort of crispy chicken with the tropical sweetness of bananas, making it a unique and flavorful meal. The combination of coconut milk, butter, and lemon juice creates a creamy base that infuses both the chicken and bananas with rich, aromatic flavors. Try this delightful dish and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet!
