If you love the creamy coconut chicken at the Chinese buffet, then you are going to love this oven-baked chicken recipe. It is so simple to make, and just a little bit of hands-on work to have delicious Chinese chicken in coconut sauce that tastes just like the buffet chicken.
Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe
If you love going to the chinese buffet and grabbing a spoonful of the creamy coconut chicken then you are going to love this easy to make chinese chicken recipe. This coconut chicken recipe has just a few minutes of prep work and then you bake it in the oven. It is perfect for a busy night where you need a dinner that won’t take to much time to make.
I have been making this baked chicken recipe for years. It was one of my go to recipes when we were broke, and it has stuck with us for years and years.
Anytime I make it for dinner I serve it with white rice and sugar snap peas. It takes me just about 15 minutes to prep, I put rice in my rice cooker, but you can easily make it on the stove and then steam the sugar snap peas in the micowave and I have an easy dinner.
I know there are many coconut chicken recipes that call for frying the chicken, but with a busy schedule and kids I don’t have time to do all that on our busy days. So this oven baked coconus chicken recipe is perfect.
Easy Dinner Recipes
What substitutions can I make?
There are a few things you can do to change up this recipe.
- Chicken breast. Another option would be boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- White sugar. You can use raw sugar, but it will have a more earthy and smoky flavor to it. As it still retains some of the molasses. Another option is coconut sugar, but if using it, you will need to only use 1.25 cups of sugar, not the full cup and a half, as it has been known to be sweeter, requiring less.
- Coconut milk. The full fat option is the best for the richness and creaminess it add but a lighter version will still work.
What should I serve with my Chinese Coconut Chicken?
There are lots of side dish recipes that pair well with this recipe, here are a few of our favorites:
- Chow Mein noodles
- Rice – white or fried rice. Making homemade fried rice is easy, you can use our homemade fried rice recipe or your favorite.
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Sugar Snap peas
How should I store my Leftover Chinese Coconut Chicken?
Chinese Coconut Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Remove from the fridge and put the portion you want to heat up in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30-40 seconds at a time, stirring in between until thoroughly heated. If you are reheating a larger amount or if you do not have a microwave, you can reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop at medium/low heat, stirring constantly until heated. If the sauce becomes too thick while reheating, add a tablespoon of water to thin it.
Can I Freeze this recipe?
Yes. If you want to meal prep and make your own freezer meals the leftovers of this recipe work great. Once your dish has completely cooled, you can place it in a freezer-safe airtight container with minimal air and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
If you would like your sauce to be even creamier, you can add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or, as odd as it sounds, mayonnaise. Stir into the coconut and sugar mixture before pouring over the chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken. Ensure that it is completely thawed and that you have drained away the excess liquids from it and pat dry with a paper towel before coating in the cornstarch.
How will I know for sure my chicken is done?
To know for sure if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I add some spice to this dish?
Want a little heat to go with the sweet? Add some red pepper flakes; you can add them to the dish while it cooks to top single servings with them, so each person gets to decide their level of heat.
Can I add Veggies to this recipe?
Yes. If you want to add veggies to cook with the chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms and onion are good options.
Chinese Coconut Chicken Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cans of full-fat coconut milk
How to Make Chinese Coconut Chicken
Turn your oven on and set it to 350°F to preheat.
Cut the chicken into small pieces and put them in a large bowl.
Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken. Mix it around so all the chicken is covered.
Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Put the chicken into the baking dish.
In the same bowl, add the coconut milk and the sugar. Use a whisk to mix the sugar and coconut milk until blended.
Pour the coconut milk and sugar mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Chicken Dinner Recipes
- Chicken and broccoli with brown sauce
- Sun dried Tomato Tuscan chicken recipe
- Asparagus stuffed Chicken
- California Chicken
- Cheddar Ranch Chicken
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Baked Fire Cracker Chicken
Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cans of full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
- Turn your oven on and set it to 350°F to preheat.
- Cut the chicken into small pieces and put them in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken. Mix it around so all the chicken is covered.
- Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Put the chicken into the baking dish.
- In the same bowl, add the cocnut milk and the sugar. Use a whisk and mix together the sugar and coconut milk until blended.
- Pour the coconut milk and sugar mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
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