Coconut Chicken Bites

Coconut chicken bites are an exotic dish that lends itself well to an Italian twist, perhaps using Mediterranean ingredients to accompany it. Let’s look at a classic version of the recipe, after which I could suggest an Italian-style accompaniment.

Ingredients

• 500 g of chicken breast, cut into small pieces
• 200 ml of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh chopped coriander (or parsley for a more Italian touch)

Preparation

1. In a large pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and chili (if you choose to use it) until golden.
2. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are slightly golden.
3. Sprinkle the chicken with curry powder, mixing well to ensure the chicken is evenly flavored.
4. Pour the coconut milk into the pan, bring to a light boil, then lower the heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is well cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the lime juice.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander or, for an Italian twist, with fresh chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot.

For an Italian-style accompaniment, you could serve these bites with a nice plate of basil rice or a fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad, which with their acidity balance the sweetness of the coconut well.

Curiosity

Coconut milk is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine and gives dishes a sweet and creamy flavor. In the case of coconut chicken bites, it creates an aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the tenderness of the chicken.