This Coconut Chicken recipe brings together tender, golden chicken pieces and a creamy, aromatic coconut sauce infused with spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and a hint of achiote. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Served with rice, plantains, or even avocado, this Caribbean-inspired meal is easy to make and sure to please any crowd.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ tbsp vegetable oil (or achiote oil)

• 1 lb (450 g) skinless chicken

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ¼ tsp ground coriander

• ¼ tsp achiote/annatto powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coconut Sauce:

• 1 medium yellow onion, minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tomato, minced

• ½ tsp ground paprika

• ¼ tsp ground cumin

• ¼ tsp ground coriander

• ¼ tsp achiote/annatto powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp tomato sauce or ketchup

• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1 can (450 ml) unsweetened coconut milk

• 2 bay leaves

• Fresh chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with paprika, cumin, coriander, achiote (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Coconut Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato and cook until soft. Stir in paprika, cumin, coriander, achiote (if using), salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, shredded coconut, and coconut milk. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Add bay leaves.

Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.

Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice, patacones, or avocado slices.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Sugar: 2 g

• Sodium: 450 mg

Aromatic and Flavorful From the First Bite

What sets Coconut Chicken apart from your average chicken dinner is its deeply aromatic and spice-forward profile. The spices in this recipe don’t overpower; they build layers of flavor. Paprika adds smokiness and color, cumin lends a nutty warmth, coriander gives a hint of citrus, and achiote, when used, adds a unique depth and subtle earthiness. These seasonings are applied to the chicken and infused into the sauce, ensuring every bite carries the full spectrum of flavor. The addition of coconut milk transforms the sauce into a creamy, velvety blanket that perfectly coats the chicken, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and balanced.

Golden Chicken with a Tender Bite

The chicken in this recipe is first seared to develop a rich, golden crust. This not only locks in juices but also adds a beautiful textural contrast to the soft coconut sauce. The spices create a flavorful outer layer, and the browning process caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat, deepening the dish’s flavor complexity. Whether you use chicken thighs or breasts, the result is tender, juicy chicken that melts in your mouth with every bite.

The Creamy Coconut Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

At the core of this recipe lies the coconut sauce—a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory concoction that brings the entire dish together. Made from unsweetened coconut milk and shredded coconut, the sauce is enriched further by sautéed aromatics like onion, garlic, and tomato. A splash of tomato sauce or ketchup adds acidity and umami to balance the richness of the coconut. Bay leaves simmering in the background lend a subtle herbal aroma that lingers in every spoonful. The result is a sauce that’s comforting, exotic, and irresistibly spoonable.

Deep Roots in Caribbean and Latin Flavors

This Coconut Chicken dish draws strong inspiration from Caribbean and Latin American cooking traditions, where coconut milk is commonly used to flavor savory dishes, and spice blends are used with intention and restraint. Achiote, also known as annatto, is often found in traditional Latin dishes, prized for its vibrant color and mild peppery flavor. The combination of tomatoes and spices in the sauce reflects a fusion of indigenous and colonial culinary influences, making this dish a flavorful representation of cultural harmony and creativity.

Perfect for Weeknight Meals or Entertaining

Despite its complex flavor profile, Coconut Chicken is surprisingly quick and simple to prepare. With just one skillet and a handful of common ingredients, you can have a stunning dish on the table in under 45 minutes. This makes it ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. At the same time, its rich sauce and warm spices make it a standout choice for entertaining. Guests will be impressed by the unique flavor combination and the dish’s comforting, home-cooked charm.

Versatile Pairings and Serving Ideas

Coconut Chicken is deliciously versatile when it comes to serving. It’s most commonly enjoyed with white rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also pair it with coconut rice or turmeric-infused rice for an extra layer of flavor. Fried or baked plantains add a sweet, starchy contrast that balances the richness of the dish. Fresh avocado slices, a side of black beans, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad offer light and refreshing counterpoints to the dish’s creamy texture. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully as well.

A Nutritious and Satisfying Option

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Lean chicken provides high-quality protein that supports muscle health and satiety. Coconut milk and shredded coconut contain healthy fats that promote energy and brain function, along with antioxidants and antibacterial compounds. The spices in this recipe—particularly cumin, garlic, and coriander—are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Together, they create a meal that not only satisfies cravings but also supports your overall well-being.

Adaptable for Dietary Preferences

One of the best aspects of this Coconut Chicken recipe is its adaptability. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs. You can use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or thighs if you prefer more juiciness and flavor. The spice level is easy to control based on your preference, and additional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or sweet potatoes can be added to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious. You can also reduce the sauce for a thicker, clingier consistency or add more coconut milk for extra creaminess and volume.

Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken

To make the most of this recipe, be sure to sear the chicken well to develop that golden-brown crust—this enhances both flavor and texture. Don’t rush the simmering process; letting the sauce bubble gently allows all the ingredients to meld into a rich, cohesive blend. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic and onion, but fresh always delivers the best results. Achiote is optional but recommended for an authentic touch. If you can’t find it, a mix of paprika and a pinch of turmeric can mimic its color and earthiness.

Conclusion

Coconut Chicken is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an unforgettable meal. From the perfectly seasoned and seared chicken to the aromatic coconut sauce enriched with spices and herbs, every element of this dish works in harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting friends for a cozy evening meal, this recipe offers a satisfying, flavorful, and nourishing option that feels both exotic and comforting. Its ease of preparation, versatility in pairing, and bold yet balanced flavors make it a dish worth coming back to time and time again. Add it to your recipe collection—you won’t be disappointed.