ADVERTISEMENT

Coconut Mango Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Tropical Escape

Coconut Mango Chicken is a dish that takes your taste buds on an irresistible journey to a tropical paradise. Marinated in a silky coconut milk and mango mixture with a touch of spice, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors. Whether served over fluffy rice or a bed of noodles, it’s a comforting main course that transforms a regular dinner into something extraordinary. This recipe, created by Valentina K. Wein, is not just about a delicious meal; it’s about an experience of savoring flavors that meld perfectly together.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Coconut Mango Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Tropical Escape

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🌴✨ Bring island vibes to your table with this Coconut Mango Chicken! 🥭🥥 Tender chicken, creamy coconut, and juicy mango come together in a dish bursting with tropical flavor. 🍛 Perfectly paired with rice or quinoa, this recipe is a one-way ticket to flavor heaven. 🍗💛 Treat your taste buds to a mini getaway tonight! 🌞🍴

#TropicalChickenDish #MangoMagic #CoconutLove #DeliciousDinner #IslandEats #FoodieFavorites #FlavorAdventure #QuickMeals #TropicalVibes #CookingWithLove 🥭🍗

  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk serves as the creamy base for the marinade, infusing the chicken with richness. Both full-fat and light coconut milk work well, but full-fat coconut milk enhances the dish’s decadence. Its subtle sweetness balances the tangy mango and the heat from the cayenne pepper, creating a harmonious blend.

Mango

Mango adds a natural sweetness and tropical flair to the dish. When blended with the coconut milk, it forms a luscious marinade that tenderizes the chicken while imparting a fruity aroma. Choose ripe, juicy mangoes for the best flavor.

Cayenne Pepper

A touch of cayenne pepper gives the dish a gentle kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance, but even a small pinch adds a nice contrast to the sweet and creamy elements.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is used both in the marinade and to prepare the baking sheet. Its slightly fruity flavor complements the tropical ingredients while helping to achieve a crispy texture on the chicken.

Honey

Honey contributes a subtle sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the coconut and mango. Drizzling honey over the chicken before baking creates a slight caramelization, adding depth and a touch of stickiness to the dish.

Chicken

This recipe calls for a whole, cut-up chicken with bone-in pieces. The bones help retain moisture and add flavor during baking. You can choose skin-on or skin-off pieces depending on your preference for texture.

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper ensures the flavors are well-rounded. Don’t skip this step, as it highlights the natural taste of the chicken and complements the marinade.

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro serves as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that elevates the overall presentation and flavor.

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade
  • Start by preparing the marinade, which also doubles as the sauce. In a powerful blender, combine the coconut milk, mango, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth. This step is crucial as a well-blended marinade ensures even coating and flavor distribution.
  • Once blended, pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Stir in two tablespoons of olive oil, which helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and adds a glossy finish.
  • Marinate the Chicken
  • Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to turn the pieces, making sure every crevice is covered. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours, ideally overnight. Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
  • For optimal results, try flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the marinating time. This ensures even absorption of the marinade and enhances the flavor of each piece.
  • Preheat and Prepare the Oven
  • After marinating, preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle it evenly with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. This step prevents sticking and promotes a crisp, golden exterior on the chicken.
  • Bake the Chicken
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Do not discard the marinade—it will be transformed into a delectable sauce. Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using skin-on chicken, position the pieces skin-side up for a crisp finish.
  • Drizzle one tablespoon of honey evenly over the chicken. The honey not only enhances the sweetness but also helps achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze during baking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven. After about 10 minutes, when the chicken starts to sizzle, reduce the temperature to 375°F. Bake the chicken until it is cooked through, removing pieces as they reach the correct internal temperature. Wings typically cook in about 15 minutes, legs and thighs in 20-25 minutes, and breasts in 30-35 minutes.
  • To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the pieces to a platter and cover them with foil to keep warm.
  • If the chicken lacks a golden color, place it under the broiler for about 30 seconds. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Make the Sauce
  • While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce using the reserved marinade. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and add the remaining teaspoon of honey. For additional heat, stir in another pinch of cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and intensifies its flavors.
  • Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle it over the baked chicken just before serving, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
  • Garnish and Serve
  • Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro sprigs. The vibrant green leaves add a fresh and aromatic element that complements the tropical flavors. Serve the Coconut Mango Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or al dente noodles. The sauce will seep into the grains or noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Chicken Options: While bone-in, skin-on chicken is recommended for maximum flavor, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used for quicker cooking. Adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
  • Mango Substitutes: If mangoes are unavailable, peaches or pineapples make excellent substitutes. They provide a similar sweetness and tropical vibe.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat tolerance. For a milder dish, omit it entirely. For extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the marinade.
  • Herb Alternatives: If cilantro isn’t to your taste, garnish with fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a different flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: For a completely dairy-free version, ensure the honey is replaced with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

The star of this dish is the chicken, which soaks up the warm, luscious marinade for hours, allowing every bite to burst with flavor. The marinade itself, made with creamy coconut milk, ripe mango, and a hint of cayenne pepper, is an ode to the tropics. Baking the chicken results in a golden, slightly caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s a recipe that demands a bit of patience but rewards you with a dish that feels luxurious and indulgent, all while being simple to prepare.

Now, let’s dive deeper into this recipe, starting with the ingredients and their role in building the layers of flavor, followed by step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results. Along the way, you’ll find tips for ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions to customize the recipe to your taste and occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk serves as the creamy base for the marinade, infusing the chicken with richness. Both full-fat and light coconut milk work well, but full-fat coconut milk enhances the dish’s decadence. Its subtle sweetness balances the tangy mango and the heat from the cayenne pepper, creating a harmonious blend.

Mango

Mango adds a natural sweetness and tropical flair to the dish. When blended with the coconut milk, it forms a luscious marinade that tenderizes the chicken while imparting a fruity aroma. Choose ripe, juicy mangoes for the best flavor.

Cayenne Pepper

A touch of cayenne pepper gives the dish a gentle kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance, but even a small pinch adds a nice contrast to the sweet and creamy elements.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is used both in the marinade and to prepare the baking sheet. Its slightly fruity flavor complements the tropical ingredients while helping to achieve a crispy texture on the chicken.

Honey

Honey contributes a subtle sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the coconut and mango. Drizzling honey over the chicken before baking creates a slight caramelization, adding depth and a touch of stickiness to the dish.

Chicken

This recipe calls for a whole, cut-up chicken with bone-in pieces. The bones help retain moisture and add flavor during baking. You can choose skin-on or skin-off pieces depending on your preference for texture.

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper ensures the flavors are well-rounded. Don’t skip this step, as it highlights the natural taste of the chicken and complements the marinade.

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro serves as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that elevates the overall presentation and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade, which also doubles as the sauce. In a powerful blender, combine the coconut milk, mango, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth. This step is crucial as a well-blended marinade ensures even coating and flavor distribution.

Once blended, pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Stir in two tablespoons of olive oil, which helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and adds a glossy finish.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to turn the pieces, making sure every crevice is covered. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours, ideally overnight. Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

For optimal results, try flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the marinating time. This ensures even absorption of the marinade and enhances the flavor of each piece.

Preheat and Prepare the Oven

After marinating, preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle it evenly with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. This step prevents sticking and promotes a crisp, golden exterior on the chicken.

Bake the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Do not discard the marinade—it will be transformed into a delectable sauce. Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using skin-on chicken, position the pieces skin-side up for a crisp finish.

Drizzle one tablespoon of honey evenly over the chicken. The honey not only enhances the sweetness but also helps achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze during baking.

Place the baking sheet in the oven. After about 10 minutes, when the chicken starts to sizzle, reduce the temperature to 375°F. Bake the chicken until it is cooked through, removing pieces as they reach the correct internal temperature. Wings typically cook in about 15 minutes, legs and thighs in 20-25 minutes, and breasts in 30-35 minutes.

To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the pieces to a platter and cover them with foil to keep warm.

If the chicken lacks a golden color, place it under the broiler for about 30 seconds. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Make the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce using the reserved marinade. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and add the remaining teaspoon of honey. For additional heat, stir in another pinch of cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and intensifies its flavors.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle it over the baked chicken just before serving, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro sprigs. The vibrant green leaves add a fresh and aromatic element that complements the tropical flavors. Serve the Coconut Mango Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or al dente noodles. The sauce will seep into the grains or noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

The Coconut Mango Chicken boasts a harmonious balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors. The coconut milk provides a velvety richness, while the mango adds a fruity sweetness. A touch of cayenne pepper cuts through the creaminess, offering a subtle heat that lingers pleasantly. The honey glaze adds a layer of caramelized sweetness, and the fresh cilantro lends a bright, herbaceous note.

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a tropical-inspired meal, serve it with coconut rice or pineapple fried rice. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus and bell peppers. A dollop of mango salsa on the side enhances the tropical theme and adds a refreshing contrast.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Chicken Options: While bone-in, skin-on chicken is recommended for maximum flavor, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used for quicker cooking. Adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
  • Mango Substitutes: If mangoes are unavailable, peaches or pineapples make excellent substitutes. They provide a similar sweetness and tropical vibe.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat tolerance. For a milder dish, omit it entirely. For extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the marinade.
  • Herb Alternatives: If cilantro isn’t to your taste, garnish with fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a different flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: For a completely dairy-free version, ensure the honey is replaced with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is ideal for meal prep. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to simply bake and serve. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Coconut Mango Chicken is a dish that embodies the spirit of comfort and indulgence. The creamy, fruity, and slightly spicy flavors make it a standout recipe for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Its vibrant presentation, coupled with its rich and balanced taste, ensures it will be a hit with anyone who tries it. By following the steps and tips provided, you’ll master this tropical-inspired recipe and bring a little sunshine to your table. So grab your ingredients, let the chicken marinate, and prepare for a culinary journey that’s as rewarding to create as it is to savor.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

ADVERTISEMENT