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Coconut Chicken

Creamy Coconut Chicken with a Tropical Twist

This Creamy Coconut Chicken is a delightful blend of Caribbean spices and coconut milk, making it a must-try comfort dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Skinless Chicken Use cutlets, drumsticks, or thighs
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil For cooking chicken
  • Salt & Pepper To taste
  • 1 tsp Ground Paprika Use high-quality for best results
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Adds savory flavor
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Coriander Adds citrusy hint
  • 1/4 tsp Achiote/Annatto Powder Optional, for color
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Minced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 Tomato Minced
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Sauce or Ketchup Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Finely shredded
  • 1 can Unsweetened Canned Coconut Milk Room temperature
  • 2 Bay Leaves Essential for flavor
  • Cilantro Optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Season 1 pound of skinless chicken with the paprika, cumin, coriander, achiote, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary, then sauté the minced onion, minced garlic, and minced tomato over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in salt and pepper with 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the unsweetened shredded coconut and sauté for 2-4 minutes until aromatic. Lower the heat, pour in the unsweetened coconut milk, mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensure it's coated in the sauce, add the bay leaves, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Cook on low until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Remove bay leaves, check seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with rice, avocado, or plantains.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh garlic and onion. Don’t skip bay leaves for depth. Adjust spices according to your heat preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

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