Coconut Chicken

Coconut Chicken Recipe from India - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Coconut chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy coconut sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who love the tropical flavors of coconut and want to try something new and exciting in their kitchen.

History

Coconut chicken is a popular dish in many tropical regions, where coconuts are abundant and used in a variety of dishes. The combination of coconut milk, spices, and chicken creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
0.5 lb (227 g) chicken breast tenders
0.5 tbsp chicken broth
0.5 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
0.38 tsp dried cilantro
0.5 tsp grated fresh ginger
0.5 tsp finely grated lemon peel
0.06 tsp ground cumin
0.5 pinch of ground turmeric
0.5 cup light coconut milk (no sugar added)
1 tbsp macadamia nuts, finely ground
0.5 tsp sugar substitute
0.13 tsp ground red pepper
0.5 tbsp tamarind paste (available in Indian and specialty food markets)
1 tsp water
scallion, chopped (for garnish)

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until browned and no longer pink in the center.
Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Heat the broth in the same skillet.
Add the onion, garlic, cilantro, ginger, lemon peel, cumin, and turmeric; cook for 5 minutes (or until the onion is tender but not browned).
Stir in the coconut milk, nuts, sugar substitute, and red pepper.
Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes (or until the chicken is cooked through).
Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Do not discard the sauce in the pan.
In a small bowl, combine the tamarind paste and water.
Stir into the sauce in the skillet and gently boil until thickened and the mixture measures about 0.5 cup.
Evenly divide the chicken among 2 serving plates.
Top with sauce and garnish with the scallion.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute tofu for the chicken and vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it to the sauce, as this will help to develop a rich flavor.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken in the coconut sauce for at least 10 minutes to ensure that it is fully cooked through.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier dish or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut chicken pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious coconut chicken is to simmer the chicken in the coconut sauce for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tamarind paste, you can substitute lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce for the coconut chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the coconut chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Coconut chicken pairs well with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of coconut rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover coconut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of coconut chicken contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This coconut chicken recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of coconut chicken contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 25 grams of protein per serving, this coconut chicken recipe is a great source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut chicken is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Coconut chicken is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Coconut chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for those who love the tropical flavors of coconut. With a rich and creamy coconut sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in a small village by the sea. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was enveloped by the delicious aroma of coconut and spices. Maria was bustling around the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling curry sauce. When she saw me, she beamed and said, "I'm making my famous Coconut Chicken for dinner tonight. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, mesmerized by the colorful array of ingredients spread out on the counter. Maria began to explain the recipe to me, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables and marinated the chicken in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, ginger, and garlic. She shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had picked it up during her travels to Southeast Asia many years ago.

As the Coconut Chicken simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its mouth-watering scent, Maria taught me the secret tips and tricks that she had picked up over the years. She stressed the importance of marinating the chicken for at least an hour to ensure it absorbed all the flavors, and advised me to use fresh coconut milk for the best results.

As we sat down to eat, the tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, creamy sauce were a revelation to my taste buds. The delicate balance of sweet coconut, spicy curry, and tangy lime was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I savored each bite, grateful for Maria's generosity in sharing her family recipe with me.

From that day on, Coconut Chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twist with extra vegetables or a dash of chili for some heat. Each time I made it, the memories of that summer day in Maria's kitchen came flooding back, and I felt a deep connection to the generations of women who had passed down this recipe through the ages.

Over the years, I continued to refine my technique, seeking out the freshest ingredients and honing my skills in the art of coconut chicken. I learned to adjust the seasoning to suit my own tastes, sometimes adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, it became a beloved dish that brought people together around the dinner table. I cherished the moments spent cooking and sharing stories with loved ones, passing on the tradition of Coconut Chicken to the next generation.

And so, the recipe for Coconut Chicken became more than just a dish to me – it was a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of cooking. I will always be grateful to Maria for introducing me to this culinary gem, and for igniting my passion for creating delicious meals that nourish both the body and the soul.