Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe

This tantalizing Thai Coconut Chicken recipe is a harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The marinade is a blend of exotic ingredients that infuse into the chicken, which is then grilled to perfection. A refreshing hit of cilantro tops the dish off beautifully.

Photos of Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe

A few of the ingredients used in this recipe such as sambal oelek, a spicy chili paste, and coconut milk, might not be commonly found in your pantry. These ingredients are important to achieve the authentic Thai flavors. You can find them in the Asian section of most supermarkets or at local Asian grocery stores.

Ingredients for Thai Coconut Chicken

Coconut milk: A creamy, rich liquid extracted from mature coconuts, lending a velvety texture and tropical flavor.

Lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness that balances out the richness of the coconut milk.

Sambal oelek: A hot chili paste that gives this dish its fiery punch.

Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken and helps to keep it moist and tender.

Coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon: These spices bring a warm, earthy depth of flavor.

Fresh ginger and garlic: These aromatics uplift the overall taste with their pungent and spicy notes.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.

Cilantro: Provides a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Chicken thighs: These are used for their juicy and flavorful meat that holds up well to grilling.

One reader, Hope Kaye says:

This Thai coconut chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the chicken turns out incredibly tender. The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. It's become a family favorite and I can't wait to make it again!

Hope Kaye

Key Techniques for Mastering Thai Coconut Chicken

How to marinate the chicken: Combine the coconut milk, lime juice, sambal oelek, brown sugar, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and mix well. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 to 6 hours.

How to grill the chicken: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates and place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to serve: Garnish the grilled chicken with cilantro and serve warm.

How To Make Thai Coconut Chicken

Grilled until tasty and juicy, this coconut chicken is flavored with tangy lime, spices, a touch of sugar, and a kick of spice, for a mouthwatering meal!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Marinate Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupcoconut milk,canned, briefly warmed and stirred if lumpy
¼cuplime juice,plus 2 tsp lime zest
2tbspsambal oelek,to taste for desired heat
1½tbspbrown sugar
1tbspvegetable oil,or olive oil
1tspground coriander
1tspground cumin
½tspturmeric
⅛tspground cinnamon
1½tbspfresh ginger,minced
1½tbspfresh garlic,minced
salt
¼cupcilantro,chopped
6chicken thighs,boneless skinless, excess fat trimmed

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lime juice and zest, sambal oelek, brown sugar, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic and season with salt to taste.
Place the chicken thighs in a gallon-size resealable bag. Measure out ⅓ cup of the marinade mixture, leaving plenty of the garlic and ginger behind, and reserve separately in the refrigerator for later use.
Pour the remaining marinade over chicken in bag. Seal bag while pressing out excess air.
Transfer to fridge and let rest for 1 to 6 hours.
Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat to about 400 degrees F, and clean the grill grates.
Place chicken on grill and cook 5 to 6 minutes, then baste chicken with reserved ⅓ cup marinade mixture. Cook the opposite side for about 5 more minutes until chicken registers 165 degrees F in center of thickest portion.
Serve warm garnished with cilantro. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 503.62kcal
Fat: 38.58g
Saturated Fat: 12.46g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.34g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.16g
Carbohydrates: 5.75g
Fiber: 0.42g
Sugar: 2.53g
Protein: 32.64g
Cholesterol: 189.14mg
Sodium: 545.55mg
Calcium: 31.49mg
Potassium: 489.05mg
Iron: 2.46mg
Vitamin A: 63.93µg
Vitamin C: 6.15mg

Pro Tip: Elevate Your Thai Coconut Chicken with This Technique

When marinating chicken, ensure that all pieces are fully submerged in the marinade for even flavor distribution. If the marinade doesn't fully cover the chicken, you can periodically turn the pieces in the bag to make sure all sides get exposed to the marinade. Also, remember that marinating for too long can result in a mushy texture, especially when acidic ingredients like lime juice are involved. For this recipe, a marinating time between 1 to 6 hours is optimal.

Time-Saving Tips for Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and marinate meats the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of food and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to streamline meal preparation and cooking processes.

Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients, utensils, and cookware, saving time during meal preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe

coconut milk - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk, which can add a creamier texture and more intense coconut flavor to the dish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the dish as lime juice.
sambal oelek - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for sambal oelek to add heat and a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with palm sugar: Palm sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar to add a similar level of sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish, complementing the other Thai-inspired flavors.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom can provide a similar citrusy and floral flavor to the dish as ground coriander.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can add a warm, earthy flavor similar to ground cumin, while also providing a vibrant yellow color to the dish.
turmeric - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder can provide a similar level of warmth and earthiness to the dish as turmeric, along with additional spices for complexity.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice can provide a similar warm and sweet flavor with hints of clove and nutmeg, similar to ground cinnamon.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger to add a warm and spicy flavor to the dish.
fresh garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar savory and pungent flavor to the dish as fresh garlic.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro to add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs while still providing a tender and flavorful protein for the dish.

Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation

Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add vibrant colors and delicate textures to the dish.
Incorporate height and layers: Build the dish with layers to create visual interest. Consider stacking the grilled chicken thighs on a bed of coconut rice and drizzling the reserved marinade over the top for a glossy finish.
Artful drizzling: Use the reserved marinade to create elegant, artistic drizzles on the plate. This not only adds flavor but also showcases your attention to detail and precision in plating.
Garnish with precision: Carefully place fresh cilantro leaves on the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Pay attention to the placement of each element to ensure a balanced and visually appealing presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Choose serving plates that complement the colors of the dish and enhance the overall presentation. Opt for minimalist, modern designs to let the vibrant colors of the food shine.
Consider negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the elements breathe for a sophisticated presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Thai Coconut Chicken

Gas grill: A gas grill is a cooking appliance used for grilling food by applying heat from below. It typically uses propane or natural gas as the fuel source.
Gallon-size resealable bag: A gallon-size resealable bag is a plastic bag with a resealable closure, commonly used for marinating and storing food. It is large enough to hold a gallon of liquid or food items.
Grill grates: Grill grates are the metal grilling surfaces on a grill where the food is placed and cooked. They provide the characteristic grill marks and impart a smoky flavor to the food.

How To Store and Freeze Thai Coconut Chicken for Later

To store leftover thai coconut chicken, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until hot. The coconut milk sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but a quick stir should bring it back together.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
To thaw frozen thai coconut chicken, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
Once thawed, reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the sauce appears thin or separated after thawing, you can whisk in a little extra coconut milk or chicken broth to restore its consistency.
If you plan to freeze the chicken, it's best to undercook it slightly initially, as this will help prevent it from becoming overcooked and dry when reheated after thawing.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover thai coconut chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevent it from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy option, you can reheat the thai coconut chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be sure to check the chicken every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking it.
If you have leftover coconut sauce from the original recipe, you can reheat it separately in a saucepan on the stovetop. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. Then, pour the warm sauce over the reheated chicken for added flavor and moisture.
For a fresh twist on leftovers, shred the reheated thai coconut chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

Interesting Trivia About Thai Coconut Chicken

The Thai coconut chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the tangy zest of lime juice and the heat of sambal oelek. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy Thai cuisine. The marinade infuses the chicken thighs with a burst of aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering and tender dish. It's a great way to introduce new flavors to your cooking repertoire and impress your friends and family with a taste of Thailand. Try it for your next dinner party!

Budget-Friendly: Is Thai Coconut Chicken Economical for Home Cooking?

The Thai coconut chicken recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of coconut milk and chicken thighs can be affordable, while the addition of lime juice, sambal oelek, and fresh ginger may increase the cost. The total approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The flavorful outcome and the versatility of the dish make it a worthwhile investment. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is Thai Coconut Chicken Healthy?

This Thai coconut chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side:

Chicken thighs are a good source of protein
Coconut milk provides healthy fats
Ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory benefits
Turmeric is known for its antioxidant properties

However, there are some less healthy components:

The recipe includes added sugar from brown sugar
Sambal oelek is high in sodium
Vegetable oil is a refined oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
The marinade ingredients may result in a high-calorie dish

To make this recipe healthier, you could reduce the brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey. Using light coconut milk would lower the calorie and fat content. Opting for a lower sodium chili paste in place of sambal oelek would help decrease the salt content. Finally, swapping the vegetable oil for a heart-healthy oil like olive oil or avocado oil would provide beneficial monounsaturated fats.

Additionally, you could:

Serve the chicken with a side of nutrient-rich vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy
Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner protein option
Reduce the portion size of the chicken and balance the plate with complex carbohydrates like brown rice or quinoa
Garnish with additional fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint for added flavor and nutrients

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the bold flavors of this Thai-inspired dish while optimizing its nutritional value.

Editor's Opinion: Why We Love This Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe

This Thai coconut chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and aromas. The combination of coconut milk, lime juice, and spices creates a rich and savory marinade that infuses the chicken with a burst of Thai-inspired taste. The grilling process adds a smoky char and caramelization, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. The dish is beautifully balanced with a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar and a hint of heat from the sambal oelek. The final touch of fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness. Overall, this recipe promises a tantalizing culinary experience that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Butter: Tender asparagus spears steamed to perfection and drizzled with a zesty lemon butter sauce.

Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet and sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and drizzled with a creamy coconut sauce.

Thai Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber slices tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy dressing for a refreshing side dish.

Coconut Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk for a creamy and flavorful accompaniment to the main dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoyed Thai Coconut Chicken

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that's packed with flavor. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a spicy sauce makes it a perfect weeknight meal.

Mango Avocado Salsa: This refreshing mango avocado salsa is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. It's great as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or simply enjoyed with some tortilla chips.

Coconut Shrimp Curry: This coconut shrimp curry is a creamy and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Thai Coconut Chicken Perfectly

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these colorful and refreshing caprese skewers, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. A delightful and elegant start to any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a velvety smooth strawberry cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Why trust this Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the richness of coconut milk with the zesty tang of lime juice and the subtle heat of sambal oelek. The aromatic blend of coriander, cumin, and turmeric infuses the dish with depth, while the freshness of ginger and garlic elevates the overall profile. The use of cilantro as a garnish adds a final touch of brightness. With its carefully curated ingredients and meticulous instructions, this recipe promises a tantalizing culinary experience.

Share your thoughts on the delicious Thai Coconut Chicken Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance the flavors even further!

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate it for up to 6 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse the meat.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

What can I use as a substitute for sambal oelek?

If you don't have sambal oelek, you can use sriracha or red pepper flakes as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is it necessary to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade?

Basting the chicken with the reserved marinade adds extra flavor, but it's not necessary. If you prefer, you can skip this step and still have delicious results.