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Delicious coconut marinated chicken grilled to perfection.

Coconut Marinated Chicken

A delightful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in a creamy coconut milk blend with zesty lime and spices, perfect for grilling or cooking on the stove.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Tropical
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 can coconut milk (preferably full fat, but light is okay) (14oz/400g) Use full fat for a richer flavor.
  • 2 units limes – all the zest + 3 tbsp of juice Fresh limes give the best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder Adjust the curry powder to your taste.
  • 2 tsp paprika Adds color and a mild flavor.
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated Fresh ginger enhances the brightness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed Use fresh garlic for best results.
  • 2 tbsp Frank's classic hot sauce or other hot sauce of choice Adjust to taste based on preference.
  • 3/4 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • Black pepper To taste.
For Cooking
  • 1.5 lb chicken thigh fillets (skinless and boneless) Best for juiciness.
  • 1 tbsp oil (for cooking) Use your preferred cooking oil.
  • 3/4 cup water For the sauce.
  • Fresh coriander leaves To garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the Marinade: Start by placing the coconut milk, lime zest and juice, curry powder, paprika, grated ginger, crushed garlic, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper into a ziplock bag. Mix well until the marinade is well-combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thigh fillets to the bag, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Seal the ziplock and gently shake to coat the chicken evenly. Set the bag aside to marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is preferable to deepen the flavor.
  3. Prepare for Cooking: When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off; reserve the marinade for the sauce. Brush the grill or skillet with oil and heat to medium-high.
Cooking
  1. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  2. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute within the meat for optimal tenderness.
  3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is resting, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Add the water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for at least 10 minutes or until thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the chicken if desired and serve it drizzled with the warm sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling the chicken outdoors for a smoky finish. Marinating overnight is highly recommended, but even a 30-minute soak will yield delicious results. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference for spice.