If you’ve ever craved a comforting, creamy, and slightly sweet chicken dish with an Asian twist, then this Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a velvety coconut sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. With its rich flavor, subtle fragrance, and silky texture, coconut chicken is a beloved recipe in many Chinese restaurants across the world.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about making the best Chinese coconut chicken at home—from the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, serving ideas, and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy family meal, this dish will become one of your favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe
- Rich and creamy flavor – The coconut milk creates a silky sauce that coats every bite of chicken.
- Restaurant-style at home – Skip takeout and make this dish fresh in your kitchen.
- Simple ingredients – Easy-to-find items, no complicated techniques required.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults love the mild, sweet, and creamy taste.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or even a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients for Chinese Coconut Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Chinese coconut chicken recipe:
- Chicken breast or thighs – 1.5 lbs (bite-sized pieces)
- Coconut milk – 1 can (13.5 oz, full-fat preferred for creaminess)
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tbsp, freshly grated
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp (adds savory umami balance)
- Brown sugar or honey – 1 tbsp (for sweetness)
- Rice vinegar – 1 tsp (adds slight tanginess)
- Cornstarch – 2 tbsp (for coating chicken and thickening sauce)
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- Cooking oil – 2 tbsp (vegetable or sesame oil)
- Green onions & sesame seeds – For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken breast (or thighs) into bite-sized cubes.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper, then coat with 1 tbsp cornstarch. This helps the chicken stay tender and gives it a light crispy coating when cooked.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a wok or large skillet with oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on the outside, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Coconut Sauce
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), and rice vinegar.
- Slowly pour in coconut milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Thicken the Sauce
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl.
- Stir this slurry into the coconut sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine and Simmer
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Chinese Coconut Chicken
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture. Light versions may make the sauce too watery.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – cook just until tender to keep it juicy.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce sugar. For a dessert-like twist, add a little extra honey.
- Add spice – A pinch of red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili will balance the sweetness.
- Marinate the chicken – For extra flavor, marinate chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch for 20 minutes before cooking.
Serving Ideas
This Chinese coconut chicken recipe pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed jasmine rice – The most classic choice.
- Fried rice – A heartier pairing that adds extra texture.
- Lo mein or rice noodles – Perfect for a noodle-based meal.
- Stir-fried vegetables – Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy.
- Cauliflower rice – A lighter, low-carb option.
Variations of Chinese Coconut Chicken
- Coconut Curry Chicken – Add curry powder or paste for a spiced version.
- Crispy Coconut Chicken – Coat chicken in shredded coconut and panko, then fry before tossing in sauce.
- Vegetarian Coconut “Chicken” – Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
- Spicy Coconut Chicken – Add sriracha or chili garlic paste for a fiery kick.
- Pineapple Coconut Chicken – Toss in pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk or water to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, but it will be much thicker and richer. If using cream, dilute with some water or chicken broth.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari).
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in slurry before serving.
4. What kind of chicken works best?
Chicken thighs are juicier, while chicken breast is leaner—both work well.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
Conclusion
This Chinese Coconut Chicken Recipe is a rich, creamy, and delicious dish that brings together the comforting flavors of coconut milk and savory chicken. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
If you’ve been looking for a flavorful, family-friendly meal that combines Asian-inspired flavors with creamy coconut goodness, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.
Try it tonight and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade Chinese coconut chicken!