Saint Lucian Coconut Chicken
Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, fragrant coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic spices. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, characteristic of Caribbean flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1.5 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk(full-fat, unsweetened)
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices enhances their flavor. - 5
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- 6
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with steamed rice, rice and peas, or fried plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the spices.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped bell peppers or peas for extra vegetables.
- A squeeze of lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors.