10 Coconut Chicken Recipes You Should Try Tonight
There’s nothing like a comforting coconut chicken dinner after a long summer day! The delicious combination of creamy, sweet coconut, and savory chicken is a fusion of flavours that will leave the whole family wanting more. From hearty curries to tasty stir-fries, coconut chicken shines as dish served any time of the day.
Best Coconut Chicken Recipes
So grab your coconut milk and get ready to cook up island vibes in your very own kitchen with these top 10 coconut chicken recipes:
1. Coconut Curry Chicken
Image Courtesy of Downshiftology.com
This classic Thai dish beautifully blends the five flavor profiles-salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. The boneless chicken simmers gently in a fragrant coconut milk-based curry broth popping with flavors from ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. Vegetables like red bell peppers add complementary crunch and visual appeal. Ladle this vibrant curry over jasmine rice for a comforting meal that tastes like a tropical vacation. The richness of coconut milk also makes it highly versatile to incorporate into lighter dishes.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Coconut Milk, Red or Green Curry Paste, Vegetables, Lime Juice, Fish Sauce, Jasmine Rice
See the Full Recipe on Downshiftology.com
2. Coconut Lime Chicken
Image Courtesy of GetInspiredEveryDay.com
A quick marinade makes this baked chicken dish pop with bright, refreshing flavors. The tart punch of lime juice pairs flawlessly with the subtle sweetness of coconut milk and coconut water. Hints of cumin, cilantro, and chili powder add extra vibrancy. As the chicken bakes, the coconut lime sauce creates an irresistibly crispy and sticky glazed exterior guaranteed to wake up your tastebuds. Serve with a dash of flaked coconut on fluffy rice and beans, or salad.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Coconut Milk, Lime Juice, Coconut Water, Cilantro, Chili Powder, Cumin
See the Full Recipe on GetInspiredEveryDay.com
3. Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders
Image Courtesy of AndieMitchell.com
These crispy coconut chicken tenders pack ultra-crunchy appeal. Buttermilk acts as the glue coating each tender before rolling in an addictive crust of toasty coconut flakes, panko breadcrumbs, flour, and spices. As the coconut chicken bakes, the outer coconut layer fries up irresistibly crispy and golden. The coconut crust pairs fantastically with the juicy tenders inside for next-level texture. Dip these crazy crunchy tenders in spicy mayo or your favorite sauce!
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Buttermilk, Shredded Coconut, Panko Breadcrumbs, Flour, Egg, Spices
See the Full Recipe on AndieMitchell.com
4. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Image Courtesy of 40Aprons.com
This healing chicken soup brings all the warmth of classic chicken noodle soup together with the exhilarating flavors of Thai cuisine. Simmer an aromatic coconut milk broth filling it with vegetables, tender chicken, rice noodles, and seasonings like ginger, lemongrass, and lime. The addition of mushrooms and bok choy balances this nourishing soup. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chilis and sip away! The coconut milk makes this broth wonderfully velvety.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Coconut Milk, Chicken, Rice Noodles, Mushrooms, Bok Choy, Ginger, Lemongrass, Lime Juice, Chili Peppers, Cilantro
See the Full Recipe on 40Aprons.com
5. Jerk Chicken with Coconut Rice
In this recipe, bone-in chicken legs and thighs soak up the ultimate flavor infusion from a Jamaican-style jerk marinade. The amazing combo of spicy, herby, and tangy features scallions, garlic, lime juice, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers mellowed by coconut milk’s richness. As the chicken roasts, the sugars in the marinade caramelize to form an unbeatable crispy jerk skin. Served atop fluffy coconut rice, this dish pops with traditional Caribbean soul.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs and Thighs, Coconut Milk, Lime Juice, Scotch Bonnet Peppers, Allspice, Thyme, Scallions, Garlic, Jasmine Rice
Grace’s Recipes for Jerk Chicken and Coconut Rice
6. Coconut Cashew Chicken
Image Courtesy of eMeals.com
This Thai restaurant classic gets an upgrade with fresh flavors and smart substitutions. Lean ground chicken stands in for fried chicken paired with crisp vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Mix up an exceptional sauce blending full-fat coconut milk, garlic, chili paste, and soy sauce for a salty-spicy-sweet balance. Toasted cashews sprinkle in an irresistible crunch. Serve this lighter, veggie-packed version over brown rice noodles or cauliflower rice.
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Coconut Milk, Vegetables, Cashews, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Chili Paste, Rice Noodles
See the Full Recipe on eMeals.com
7. Coconut Chicken Kebabs
Image Courtesy of YummyHealthyEasy.com
These fun chicken kebabs pack a double dose of coconut flavor. First, chicken thighs soak up flavors after marinating in a coconut milk mixture with garlic and spices. Next, threading the chicken and vegetables onto skewers lets you grill each component to perfection. The crowning touch – an insane coconut peanut dipping sauce spiked with red curry paste! Basting the kebabs with some extra marinade as they grill ensures juicy, caramelized chicken pops off the skewers with tropical flavor in every bite.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Coconut Milk, Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce, Red Curry Paste
See the Full Recipe on YummyHealthyEasy.com
8. Coconut Chicken Salad Wraps
Image Courtesy of TheDefinedDish.com
Escape to the islands with these refreshing coconut chicken salad wraps! They’re filled with a vibrant mix of shredded coconut chicken tossed in coconut milk dressing alongside snappy vegetables like shredded carrots and red cabbage. Wrapped up in soft tortillas or lettuce leaves with a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes, these light yet satisfying wraps burst with textures, colors, and island personality. The coconut milk perfectly moistens and tenderizes the chicken.
Main Ingredients: Shredded Chicken, Coconut Milk, Shredded Carrots, Red Cabbage, Tortillas or Lettuce Leaves, Toasted Coconut Flakes
See the Full Recipe on TheDefinedDish.com
9. Chicken Chickpea Coconut Curry
Image Courtesy of BerrySweetLife.com
This easy one-pot curry stars lean chicken breast simmered in an aromatic coconut milk-based sauce along with cozy chickpeas and diced tomatoes. The sauce features a stellar supporting cast of spices like curry powder, cumin, garlic, and ginger. Allowing the sauce to gently bubble concentrates the flavors for seriously tasty results. Spoon this protein-packed curry over brown rice or quinoa for a nutritious comfort food dinner. The coconut milk makes an ultra-silky curry base.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Coconut Milk, Chickpeas, Diced Tomatoes, Curry Powder, Cumin, Garlic, Ginger, Brown Rice
See the Full Recipe on BerrySweetLife.com
10. Coconut Chicken Pot Pie
Image Courtesy of CompletelyDelicious.com
Comforting chicken pot pie goes tropical with this recipe’s scrumptious coconut twist! Flaky homemade pie crust envelops a savory chicken and vegetable filling featuring peas, carrots, and potatoes napped in a luscious coconut milk gravy seasoned with thyme, garlic, and paprika. As the pot pie bakes, the crust turns divinely golden brown while the coconut gravy bubbles away inside ensuring your first bite overflows with soul-soothing decadence. Make this family favorite into handheld empanadas too! This coconut recipe will surely become a staple in your household.
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Chicken, Mixed Vegetables, Coconut Milk, Thyme, Garlic, Paprika, Egg
See the Full Recipe on CompletelyDelicious.com
Want to know about coconut aminos? Read our article “What is Coconut Aminos?“.
The Bottom Line
From rich curries to light wraps, and crispy tenders to comforting pot pie, these 10 delicious coconut chicken recipes showcase inventive ways of giving a classic chicken dish a tropical twist. Coconut milk and coconut water add delicious layers of flavors as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Are you looking to add more coconut to your diet? Find Grace Foods Coconut Water at a Store Near You
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I store leftover coconut milk?
Store leftover coconut milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a labeled container for up to 3 months. Shake well before using as coconut milk naturally separates over time. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture.
Is coconut milk healthy?
Coconut milk is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can help with weight management and energy metabolism. It’s also rich in potassium and magnesium, essential minerals for heart health. However, it’s high in saturated fat, so consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I freeze coconut chicken dishes?
Yes, you can freeze coconut chicken dishes. Cool the dish completely before placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk, making it ideal for dishes like coconut chicken pot pie. However, it may overpower lighter dishes. Adjust the liquid content accordingly when substituting coconut cream for coconut milk.
What is the best coconut milk to use for chicken recipes
Full-fat coconut milk is generally preferred for rich and creamy coconut chicken recipes. Brands like Grace Foods offer high-quality products that can enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes. However, experiment with different brands and types to find your personal favorite.