Authentic Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe

A Taste of China: Coconut Chicken

Craving a taste of the exotic without the hassle of complicated cooking? Look no further than this easy and flavorful Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, fragrant coconut sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that will transport you straight to a bustling street market in China.

While the flavors are inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic and satisfying Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe.

Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe Card

This mouth-watering Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Difficulty Level: Medium

This recipe combines the richness of coconut milk with the bold flavors of Chinese five-spice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic.

Key ingredients include:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (675 g)
• 1 can (14 oz / 397g) full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (15g)
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

Get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Chinese Coconut Chicken Ingredients

To prepare the Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe, gather the following essential ingredients. This dish features chicken breast, coconut milk, and a blend of spices that create a rich and creamy flavor profile.

The foundation of this recipe is the combination of chicken breast, coconut milk, and spices. The chicken breast should be boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Coconut milk adds a distinct flavor and creamy texture, while the spices provide depth and warmth.

• 500 g / 1.1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 240 ml / 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tsp (10 ml / 0.4 oz) soy sauce
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.2 oz) sesame oil
• 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) grated ginger
• 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp (2 g / 0.1 oz) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1 g / 0.04 oz) black pepper
• Optional:
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Sliced almonds or cashews for added crunch
  • Red pepper flakes for extra heat

These ingredients will help create a delicious and authentic Chinese Coconut Chicken dish, with the coconut milk and spices blending together to form a savory and slightly sweet sauce.

Step-by-Step Chinese Coconut Chicken Instructions

Get ready to savor the flavors of this comforting and aromatic Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut 600 g / 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry), 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon ginger powder. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Add the Coconut Milk: Pour in 400 ml / 1.7 cups full-fat coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Stir in the Vegetables: Add 1 cup chopped broccoli florets, ½ cup sliced carrots, and ½ cup chopped bell peppers to the wok. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
7. Season and Garnish: Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired.
8. Serve Hot: Serve the Chinese Coconut Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Chinese Coconut Chicken

To elevate your Chinese Coconut Chicken game, consider these expert tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken**: Chinese Coconut Chicken is best when the chicken is cooked just until it reaches 74°C (165°F) and still slightly tender. Overcooking will result in dry, tough meat.
• Use high-quality coconut milk**: Fresh coconut milk is essential for a rich, creamy sauce. Look for a brand that’s free from additives and preservatives.
• Balance the flavors**: Chinese Coconut Chicken should have a delicate balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, and vinegar to taste.
• Don’t skip the marinating step**: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and spices helps to tenderize it and infuse flavor. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
• Use the right type of coconut**: Shredded coconut or coconut flakes work best in this recipe, as they add texture and flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Be mindful of the cooking time**: Chinese Coconut Chicken is best cooked over medium-low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating and the sauce from burning.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Chinese Coconut Chicken dish that’s sure to impress.

Substitutions and Replacements in Chinese Coconut Chicken

While the original Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe is delicious, some ingredients can be substituted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. These substitutions can alter the flavor profile, so it’s essential to understand the impact of each replacement.

• Instead of 240 g / 1 cup of coconut milk, use 180 g / 3/4 cup of almond milk or soy milk for a lighter version, reducing the richness and calorie count.
• Replace 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of tamari for a gluten-free alternative, which will maintain a similar umami flavor.
• Swap 1 teaspoon of grated ginger with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for a more subtle spice flavor, as ground ginger is more potent than fresh.

When making these substitutions, keep in mind that the overall flavor and texture of the dish may change. For example, using almond milk will result in a slightly sweeter and less creamy sauce. Cook the Chinese Coconut Chicken at 200°C / 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.

Delicious Variations of Chinese Coconut Chicken

Love the creamy, savory base of our Chinese Coconut Chicken but want to explore new flavor frontiers? Here are a few variations to get your culinary creativity flowing:

Spicy Coconut Chicken

Add a kick to your dish! Include 1-2 fresh red chili peppers, finely chopped, in the stir-fry. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat. For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the ginger and garlic.

Sweet and Sour Coconut Chicken

Balance the savory coconut broth with a touch of sweetness and tang. Add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.

Peanut Coconut Chicken

Embrace nutty richness! Stir in 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter along with the coconut milk. You can also add a handful of chopped peanuts to the stir-fry for added texture. This variation takes about 5 minutes longer to cook due to the peanut butter.

Storing and Reheating Chinese Coconut Chicken

Proper storage and reheating are crucial to maintaining the quality and safety of your Chinese Coconut Chicken. Follow these guidelines to enjoy your dish at its best.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days)

• Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature.
• Transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) or below.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)

• Freeze the cooled Chinese Coconut Chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
• Store it in the freezer at -18°C (0°F) or below.

Reheating Instructions

• Reheat the Chinese Coconut Chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure food safety.
• Use the stovetop, microwave, or oven to reheat. For stovetop, reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally. For microwave, reheat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds. For oven, reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Chinese Coconut Chicken

When preparing Chinese Coconut Chicken, several issues can arise during the cooking process. Fortunately, most of these problems have simple solutions. Here are some common issues and their fixes:

• Chicken not cooking evenly: Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces and cooked at the correct temperature (180°C / 350°F). Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Sauce too thick or too thin: Adjust the amount of coconut milk (240 ml / 1 cup) or cornstarch (30 g / 2 tablespoons) to achieve the desired consistency.
• Flavors not balanced: Taste and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce (60 ml / 1/4 cup), oyster sauce (30 ml / 2 tablespoons), or sugar (20 g / 1 tablespoon) as needed.
• Chicken overcooking: Stir-fry the chicken quickly over high heat (200°C / 400°F) to prevent overcooking. Remove from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
• Cooking oil smoking: Reduce heat if the oil starts smoking. Use a thermometer to maintain the optimal temperature (180°C / 350°F) for stir-frying.

By being aware of these potential issues and their solutions, you can ensure a successful and delicious Chinese Coconut Chicken dish every time.

Nutritional Information

This Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s also surprisingly healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

This dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals from the chicken, vegetables, and coconut milk.

Key Takeaways from the Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe

This Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe offers several valuable lessons for achieving a delicious and authentic dish. The combination of coconut milk, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a rich and balanced flavor profile.

• Marinating the chicken in a mixture of 60 ml / 1/4 cup soy sauce, 30 ml / 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 15 g / 1 tablespoon grated ginger adds depth and tenderness.
• Cooking the chicken in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat (200°C / 400°F) helps to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
• Adding 120 ml / 1/2 cup coconut milk towards the end of cooking helps to create a creamy and indulgent sauce.

By following these key takeaways, the Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe can be easily replicated and enjoyed. The dish is best served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, and paired with a side of steamed vegetables or fragrant jasmine rice.

A Little Bit of Home

This Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe takes me right back to my childhood. Growing up, my grandma used to make a similar dish, though hers always had a touch of sweetness I couldn’t quite replicate. It took years of experimenting, but I finally cracked the code. This version has the same comforting flavors, with a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.

The Coconut Magic

The key to this recipe is the coconut milk. It adds a creamy richness that’s both indulgent and light. I use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture, but you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lighter dish. Just keep in mind that the lighter version might not be as creamy.

Beyond the Basics

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat, or swap out the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option. You can even serve it over rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Chinese Coconut Chicken

With the Chinese Coconut Chicken recipe complete, you’re now ready to indulge in a mouth-watering dish that combines the richness of coconut with the bold flavors of China.

Take pride in your cooking skills and the delicious meal you’ve prepared. This satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Don’t stop here! Explore more Chinese recipes on our blog, and try our other coconut-based dishes for a flavorful twist.

Happy cooking, and we look forward to seeing your creations!