Coconut Chicken I Recipe from Jamaica

Coconut Chicken I

Coconut Chicken I Recipe from Jamaica
Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coconut Chicken I is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy coconut milk sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who love the tropical flavors of coconut and enjoy a hint of spice in their meals.

History

Coconut chicken dishes have been enjoyed in various cultures around the world for centuries. Coconut milk is a common ingredient in many Southeast Asian and Caribbean cuisines, where it is used to add richness and depth of flavor to savory dishes. This particular recipe combines the creamy texture of coconut milk with the tender texture of chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that is sure to please.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and fry the chicken breast until it starts to brown.
  3. Add onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken.
  4. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
  5. Once the vegetables are translucent, mix in the garlic and coconut milk.
  6. Allow the mixture to cook for 5 to 8 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked down and the chicken is tender.

Variations

  • Add diced tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken breasts before adding the vegetables and coconut milk to ensure a flavorful base for the dish.

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

- For a richer sauce, use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice or with a side of naan bread.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute tofu or chickpeas for the chicken for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the coconut chicken in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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

320

Carbohydrates

12g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 10g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 90%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk and may not be suitable for those with coconut allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins, but it is also high in saturated fats due to the coconut milk. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Coconut Chicken I is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy coconut milk sauce. With a hint of spice and a tropical flair, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this flavorful meal with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the Philippines. My family had always been very close-knit, and one of our favorite pastimes was gathering together in the kitchen to cook and share meals.

One day, while I was out exploring the local market, I came across a stall selling fresh coconuts. The vendor was an elderly woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She saw my curiosity and beckoned me over, offering me a taste of the coconut water. It was sweet and refreshing, and I couldn't resist buying a whole coconut to take home with me.

When I returned to our humble kitchen, I set to work trying to crack open the coconut. After a few failed attempts, I finally managed to break it open and extract the flesh. As I sat there, pondering what to do with it, I remembered the old woman at the market mentioning a recipe for coconut chicken that she swore was the best she had ever tasted.

Excited by the prospect of trying something new, I set out to recreate the dish. I seasoned the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, then marinated it in a mixture of coconut milk, soy sauce, and ginger. As the chicken cooked, the aroma of coconut wafted through the air, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent.

When it was finally ready, I took a bite of the tender, flavorful chicken and was instantly transported to culinary heaven. The coconut milk had infused the meat with a creamy richness that complemented the savory spices perfectly. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for generations to come.

I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my loved ones, and when I served the coconut chicken that evening, their eyes lit up with delight. They savored every bite, savoring the unique blend of flavors and textures that the dish offered. From that day on, coconut chicken became a staple in our household, a dish that we would turn to time and time again for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who were always eager to learn the secret behind my delicious coconut chicken. And with each new person I introduced to the dish, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter with the old woman at the market so many years ago. Her simple recipe for coconut chicken has brought joy and happiness to countless people, including myself, and I will always treasure the memory of how I learned to make it for the first time.

Categories

| Chicken Breast Recipes | Coconut Milk Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Jamaican Meat Dishes | Jamaican Recipes | Onion Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes |

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