Discover the delicious fusion of sweet caramel and creamy coconut in this Chinese inspired caramel coconut chicken recipe. Perfectly crispy chicken is coated in a rich, savory sweet sauce with hints of coconut, garlic, and ginger. This unique dish is easy to make at home and pairs wonderfully with rice for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
caramel coconut chicken Chinese recipe brings a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors inspired by Chinese cuisine. Tender pieces of chicken are fried to golden perfection, then coated in a smooth caramel-coconut sauce with a touch of garlic, ginger, and soy. This dish is both easy to prepare and impressive in flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with rice or stir-fried veggies to enjoy a balanced and exotic meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Ingredients Caramel Coconut Chicken Chinese Style:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for a richer taste)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or palm sugar for a more authentic flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (light soy sauce works best)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted (optional for extra flavor)
- Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge them in cornstarch, coating each piece evenly. Set aside.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the coconut milk, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the fried chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat each piece in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken absorbs the sauce and becomes glazed with a glossy, caramel-like finish.
- Add Toasted Coconut (Optional):
- For added coconut flavor and texture, sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut into the skillet and toss with the chicken.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Caramel Coconut Chicken :
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 5% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
This flavorful caramel coconut chicken Chinese dish is a great blend of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying choice for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Coconut milk adds creaminess, but adjust the quantity based on your preferred richness.
This Caramel Coconut Chicken is a delightful mix of flavors that brings a unique twist to a classic Chinese dish. Enjoy!
