Calypso Chicken

Calypso Chicken Recipe - Delicious Caribbean Dish

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Calypso Chicken is a flavorful and exotic dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of cayenne pepper. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavors in their meals.

History

Calypso Chicken is inspired by Caribbean cuisine, which is known for its bold and vibrant flavors. The combination of pineapple, lime, and cilantro gives this dish a tropical twist that is sure to transport you to a sunny beach in the Caribbean.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
1 medium-size red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
3 cup cooked rice
1 x 20 oz (567 g) can pineapple tidbits, drained
0.25 cup lime juice
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot. Add the chicken, garlic, pumpkin pie spice, and cayenne pepper.
Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and starting to brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
Add the bell pepper and green onions to the skillet. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onions are tender.
Stir in the rice, pineapple, lime juice, and cilantro.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add diced mango or papaya for an extra burst of sweetness.
Use jerk seasoning instead of pumpkin pie spice for a spicier version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the pumpkin pie spice and lime juice for a few hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Calypso Chicken can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It pairs well with coconut rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the chicken ensures that it cooks quickly and retains its moisture.

- Cooking the vegetables until they are tender but still crisp adds texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out cilantro for parsley if you are not a fan of the herb's taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Calypso Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with additional cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime for a pop of color. Serve it in a pineapple boat for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Calypso Chicken with a fruity white wine, such as a Riesling or Gewürztraminer, to complement the dish's tropical flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try a pineapple or mango juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 60% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Calypso Chicken is a well-balanced dish that is rich in protein and vitamin C. It is relatively low in calories and fats, making it a healthy option for a delicious meal.

Summary

Calypso Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the Caribbean. I remember the warm sun beating down on my back as I walked through the bustling market, the smell of exotic spices and fresh produce filling the air.

I had always loved to cook, even as a child. My mother and grandmother would often let me help in the kitchen, teaching me the traditional dishes of our culture. But it wasn't until that fateful day at the market that I discovered a recipe that would become one of my all-time favorites: Calypso Chicken.

I was browsing through the stalls, admiring the colorful array of fruits and vegetables, when I stumbled upon an elderly woman selling spices and herbs. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face as she greeted me. I struck up a conversation with her, asking about the different spices she had on display.

As we chatted, she mentioned a recipe for Calypso Chicken that she had learned from her grandmother many years ago. She described it as a flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

Her eyes lit up at my request, and she began to recite the ingredients and cooking instructions in a melodic voice that seemed to dance through the air. I listened intently, committing every detail to memory. The combination of spices and flavors she described sounded like a symphony for the taste buds, a perfect harmony of sweet and savory.

After she had finished sharing the recipe with me, I thanked her profusely and purchased the spices I would need to recreate the dish at home. As I walked away from her stall, I could feel a sense of excitement building inside me. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making Calypso Chicken for my family.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in getting started on the dish. I gathered all the ingredients together, the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas filling my kitchen with a sense of anticipation. As I began to cook, I could feel the memories of that day at the market flooding back to me, the warmth of the sun on my skin and the laughter of the elderly woman echoing in my ears.

The recipe was a labor of love, requiring time and patience to bring all the flavors together in perfect harmony. But as the chicken simmered in the rich and aromatic sauce, I knew it would be worth the wait. The tantalizing scents wafting through the air made my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I plated the Calypso Chicken, the vibrant colors of the dish a feast for the eyes. With bated breath, I took my first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors that danced across my taste buds. The sweet and tangy sauce paired perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a dish that was truly unforgettable.

From that day on, Calypso Chicken became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would often make it for special occasions, sharing the recipe with friends and family who were always amazed by its deliciousness. And every time I cooked it, I would think back to that day at the market, where a chance encounter with an elderly woman had led me to discover a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary heritage.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have shaped my love of cooking. And though the years have passed, the memory of finding the recipe for Calypso Chicken for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart.