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Homemade Coconut Chicken Recipe photo

Coconut Chicken Recipe

A creamy, mildly spiced coconut chicken with a sweet‑savory chili‑honey sauce and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts sliced into 4 fillets and pounded to even thickness
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger part of seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder part of seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander part of seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder part of seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper part of seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling if needed
  • 2 green onions chopped; white and green parts separated
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger or 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger for the sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk quality brand
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce like Mae Ploy
  • 3-4 tablespoons honey start with 3 tablespoons
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Asian chili sauce adjust more or less to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Fresno or jalapeño peppers sliced, for garnish
  • cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • green onion tops sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Whisk
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the coconut milk, cornstarch, sweet chili sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, lime juice, soy sauce, Asian chili sauce, dried basil, grated ginger (or ground), and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth; set aside.
  2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make 4 fillets and place between plastic wrap; pound to an even thickness and pat dry.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk the flour with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  4. Dredge each chicken fillet in the seasoned flour, shake off excess, and set on a plate.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until hot; add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep skillet with fond.
  6. Reduce heat to medium; add a little olive oil if needed, then add the white parts of the green onions and cook 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Reduce heat to low, pour in the reserved coconut sauce, and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens; taste and adjust with additional honey for sweetness or lime juice for brightness.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet and warm through in the sauce for a minute or two.
  9. Garnish with sliced Fresno or jalapeño peppers, chopped cilantro, and the green parts of the green onions, then serve over rice.

Notes

  • Pound chicken to tenderize and ensure even cooking.
  • Use a 12-inch cast-iron skillet for best browning and flavor development.
  • Combine butter and oil to prevent butter from burning while adding flavor.
  • Heat the pan fully before adding chicken to achieve a good sear.
  • Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F.
  • Use full‑fat coconut milk for better texture or add extra cornstarch if using light coconut milk.