I love a good road trip. I find driving down the road listening to my favorite music and watching the scenery go by, relaxing and energizing at the same time.
Coupeville Washington - picture by Sue Cunningham, The Blue Goose Inn
A few months ago, my daughter and I hopped in the car and drove to Coupeville – a tiny town on Whidbey Island. The town is warm, inviting, and boasts a colorful and artistic community.
Coconut Chicken
Naturally, a road trip includes sampling the local cuisine, and I’ve learned over the years to ask the residents where to eat. People are always happy to help, and chat with pride about all the wonderful things to do and see.
This particular trip found us seated at a restaurant overlooking the water, and enjoying a platter of coconut shrimp. My mouth still waters at the memory of those meaty bites of shellfish encrusted with sweet coconut, and dipped in a spicy tomato sauce.
I decided there was no reason why I couldn’t make my own, so I started to hunt through the freezer for the bag of shrimp that I knew was hiding in there somewhere.
Coconut Chicken and Sweet Chili Sauce
While I didn’t produce that bag of shrimp, I did find the usual chicken, and even some coconut leftover from the holidays.
I admit chicken breast can’t compete with fresh shrimp, but I can be creative, so I whipped up this tasty coconut chicken from Budget Byte’s Coconut Chicken and Sweet Chili Sauce instead. The chicken was sweet and satisfying, but I’m still craving that deep fried shrimp and a table by the window.
Hey Lauren! It’s time for another road trip and a platter of coconut shrimp! You name the date and I’ll drive the car.
Can’t beat that!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into 1" strips
- ½ cup plain lowfat yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lowfat milk
- ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Place flour in with a pinch of salt in one dish, yogurt and milk whipped together in another dish, and panko mixed with coconut in another dish.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray a cookie cooling rack with cooking spray. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Pat chicken dry and dredge in flour, then in yogurt, then in coconut. Place on cookie rack.
- Spray with cooking spray and bake for 12 - 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. You may have to turn on the broiler and lightly broil to nicely brown the chicken. The yogurt tends to keep it from browning well.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
Notes
Calories: 378 Weight Watchers PointsPlus 10 Total Fat: 8.84g Cholesterol: 74mg Sodium: 235mg Total Carbs: 45.11g Dietary Fiber: 1.93g Sugars: 16.58g Protein: 30.83g
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{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Genius! I’m not a big fan of shrimp but I bet I would love coconut chicken. Plus since my husband hates coconut that means I don’t have to worry about him eating all of my food lol
Food Jaunts recently posted…Cincinnati Style Chili
That’s cute. My husband hates hummus, so I don’t have to worry about him eating that either.
If you are still craving for shrimp after eating coconut chicken tenders just hop on to my blog. You know what I love chicken more than any other kind of meat. Sweet chilly sauce is the good combination.
balvinder ( Neetu) recently posted…Sambal Shrimp
I know what you mean. My dad used to say I could eat chicken for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I’m secretly glad you didn’t have shrimp since I don’t like, so this looks much better with chicken! I’ve been to Whidbey Island once-sounds like a fun road trip!
EA-The Spicy RD recently posted…Recipe ReDux: Breakfast Bananas Foster with Cinnamon Streusal Topping
We had a good time. I don’t often get to spend time with my adult daughter, so it was very special.
I totally agree.. why not coconut chicken!! Don’t let shrimp have all the fun!
these look amazing and your trip looks like a really fun time.
Ramona recently posted…Asian Soba Noodle Vegetable Lo Mein
We did have a good time. It’s a lovely little town.
Oh those chicken strips covered with crunchy panko and shredded coconut must taste very flavorful especially with that chilli sauce. Have a good week, Kristi!
wok with ray recently posted…Mussel Ginger Soup (Sinabawang Tahong)
And they were baked too, so not too many calories. I love that! You enjoy your week too.
I never would have though but about coconut chicken but why not it’s gotta be good too. A recipe I will have to try out.
Suzanne recently posted…Chocolate Souffles
You’ll have to let me know how it turns out for you.
This sounds great. I have never paired coconut this way with the chicken.
easyfoodsmith recently posted…PETITE EGGLESS COCONUT MACAROONS
It worked well since chicken has it’s own natural sweetness.
In indian cooking we use a lot of coconut to make gravies but have never coated chicken or shrimp with coconut. This chicken looks so yummy! Would love to try it out.
Asmita recently posted…Minced Chicken
You’ll have to let me know if you make it and how it turns out for you. Enjoy your week!
You know, I’ll bet it was the table by the window that made the shrimp taste so good! It sounds like your freezer is just like mine – I know there are things in there that I can never find. (What, clean it out and organize? Blasphemy!) Anyway, good recipe, good post – thanks.
The table by the window, and the glass of wine too, I’m sure!
Wow that water is gorgeous…I love road trips as well and my boys and I have just up and taken off a few times
This is very creative and I am sure delicious!
Magic of Spice recently posted…Food of the week – Parsley Root
There’s something about getting away at the last moment to lift your spirits, is there! Have a good week.
Coconut chicken looks divine! I love anything and everything, coconut
Me and the Husband are lovers of road-trips!!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com recently posted…Spiced Chicken w/ Pomegranate Arils
You really can’t beat a great road trip. My husband and I really enjoy just driving down the road watching the scenery go by.
I’ve only been to Seattle area once and spent most of the time in the San Juan’s. We drove north to take the ferry, but I don’t think as far north as Whidbey. You live in a beautiful area Kristie.
Lea Ann recently posted…Spicy Paella With Chile, Lime and Cilantro
You’re right Lea Ann, I do live in a wonderful area of the country. I don’t appreciate it as much as I should.