Chicken Barbados

Barbados Chicken Recipe with Coconut and Bananas

Region / culture: Barbados | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Barbados is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bananas and brown sugar with the savory crunch of baked chicken. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

History

Chicken Barbados is a traditional Caribbean dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish is a reflection of the diverse culinary influences in the region.

Ingredients

1 packet of SHAKE 'N BAKE Original chicken Seasoned Coating Mix
1 tsp grated orange peel (optional)
2-0.5 lb (227 g) of chicken pieces
2 bananas
0.33 cup of orange juice
0.5 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
0.75 cup of toasted BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE coconut

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Mix the coating mix and peel in a shaker bag or on a plate. Coat the chicken as directed on the package. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, peel the bananas and cut them in half lengthwise. Dip the bananas in orange juice, then roll them in brown sugar until evenly coated on all sides.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Place the bananas around the chicken in the baking pan. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Sprinkle with coconut before serving.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mix. You can also experiment with different fruits such as pineapple or mango in place of the bananas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before it is safe to eat. Additionally, be sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix for a crispy and flavorful crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Barbados with a side of rice and a green salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a tropical fruit salsa for a refreshing twist.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have SHAKE 'N BAKE Original chicken Seasoned Coating Mix, you can use breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. You can also use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE coconut.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and banana mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be easily reheated.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Barbados on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Barbados with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. The fruity flavors in the dish complement the citrus notes in the wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Barbados contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is relatively low in calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Barbados contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. The bananas and brown sugar in this dish contribute to the carbohydrate content.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Barbados contains approximately 12 grams of fat. The coconut and chicken skin are sources of fat in this dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Barbados contains approximately 25 grams of protein. The chicken is a rich source of protein in this dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Barbados is a good source of vitamin C from the orange juice and bananas. It also contains iron, potassium, and vitamin B6 from the chicken and bananas.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the coating mix and coconut. It may also contain allergens such as soy and milk. Be sure to check the labels of the ingredients for allergen information.

Summary

Chicken Barbados is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Chicken Barbados is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bananas and brown sugar with the savory crunch of baked chicken. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. Enjoy the tropical flavors of the Caribbean with this mouthwatering dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in Barbados. We were sitting outside on her veranda, sipping on homemade rum punch and enjoying the cool sea breeze. Maria had just finished cooking a delicious meal and she graciously offered to share the recipe with me.

As she began to explain the ingredients and steps involved in making Chicken Barbados, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill in the kitchen. She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The dish was a flavorful combination of Caribbean spices, marinated chicken, and fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a savory coconut sauce.

I watched as Maria effortlessly prepared the marinade, mixing together a blend of herbs and spices that filled the air with a tantalizing aroma. She then coated the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Next, Maria sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large skillet until they were soft and fragrant. She then added the marinated chicken pieces, letting them brown on all sides before pouring in the coconut milk and chicken broth. The sauce bubbled and simmered, thickening and intensifying in flavor as it cooked.

As the Chicken Barbados simmered on the stove, Maria shared stories of her childhood in Barbados and the memories she had of cooking with her grandmother. She spoke fondly of the time spent in the kitchen, learning the traditional recipes that had been passed down through her family for generations.

After letting the dish cook for nearly an hour, Maria added in fresh vegetables – carrots, potatoes, and green beans – to add a pop of color and texture to the dish. The vegetables soaked up the rich coconut sauce, infusing them with a delicious sweetness that complemented the savory chicken perfectly.

Finally, Maria plated the Chicken Barbados, garnishing it with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime juice. The dish looked and smelled absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of Maria's labor.

As I took my first bite of the Chicken Barbados, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The flavors were bold and bright, a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that danced on my taste buds. The tender chicken practically melted in my mouth, while the vegetables added a satisfying crunch.

I couldn't help but exclaim in delight, praising Maria for her incredible cooking skills and the delicious dish she had prepared. She smiled warmly, pleased that I had enjoyed the meal so much.

As I finished my plate of Chicken Barbados, I knew that this recipe was one I would treasure and pass down to future generations. It was a taste of Barbados, a glimpse into the culinary traditions of a vibrant and rich culture.

And so, with a full belly and a happy heart, I thanked Maria for sharing her recipe with me and vowed to recreate it in my own kitchen, keeping the flavors and memories of Barbados alive for years to come.