• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

Small book

My cookbook "Dinner" now available!

  • My RecipeTin
  • My cookbook!
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot
    • Stews
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Vegetables
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice (all)
      • Fried rice
      • Rice (plain)
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cakes
      • Cheesecakes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
      • Ice cream
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • Japanese
        • Korean
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
  • Collections
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • Food Bloggers Central
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Collections Australia Day!

Coconut Marinated Chicken (Grill, stove)

By:Nagi
Published:31 Aug '15Updated:2 Jul '20
120 Comments
Recipe v

Coconut milk makes a fantastic marinade, tenderising and infusing the chicken with rich flavour. The added bonus is that the marinade makes a fabulous sauce! Try grilling this Coconut Marinated Chicken – or cook it on the stove, your choice!

Grilled Coconut Marinated Chicken on a plate, drizzled with coconut sauce.

This is based on a recipe by Bobby Flay, one of my grilling idols. His shows started airing in Australia a few years ago and I was hooked.

Though I have to say…gosh, this could get me in trouble…Does anyone else think he really should consider wearing sunglasses? Because he always seems to be squinting!! 😉

I think he is incredibly talented at bringing together unique flavours with familiar ingredients. I have a killer of a 3 ingredient glazed pork chop recipe of his that I regularly use which I plan to share soon.

But as for this coconut marinated chicken – I am not actually sure whether he had it on his show. I got it from his book, Bobby Flay’s Barbecue Addiction. He makes this with pork tenderloin and has a relish to accompany it. I tried it with pork tenderloin but found that it was difficult to cook to make it moist and tender on the grill.

Coconut Marinated Grilled Chicken - the coconut marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavour and tenderises the meat. And the sauce is incredible!

But the flavour was so awesome that I decided to give it a go with chicken – and scored! It’s sensational!

Grilled Coconut Marinated Chicken with a side of lime rice on a white plate, ready to be eaten.

I like to make a coconut based sauce to serve with the chicken, just to really drive home the coconut flavour. It’s made using the excess marinade – but don’t worry, it’s simmered rapidly to make it safe for consumption.

The chicken is sensational as it is, but honestly, the sauce “makes” this. I do hope you consider giving this a go! – Nagi x


If you love coconut milk sauces, you’ll love these!

  • Easy Coconut Curry

  • An amazing easy Thai Coconut Noodle Soup

  • Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce

  • Coconut Pot Roasted Chicken

  • Thai Coconut Chicken

  • Thai Green Curry and Red Curry

And more of my favourite Asian Chicken recipes

All these are ideal for grilling but can also be cooked on the stove

  • Thai Satay Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

  • Yakitori Chicken – Japanese chicken skewers on my mother’s Japanese recipe website, RecipeTin Japan

  • Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) – marinated in a fragrant Thai marinade

  • Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken – infused with beautiful Vietnamese lemongrass flavours

  • Asian Chicken – marinated in a great Asian marinade that’s sweet sand savoury

Grilled Coconut Marinated Chicken on a plate, drizzled with coconut sauce.

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Coconut Marinated Grilled Chicken - the coconut marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavour and tenderises the meat. And the sauce is incredible!

Coconut Marinated Chicken (Grill or Stove)

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Dinner, Grilling
Tropical!
4.90 from 28 votes
Servings4
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 322
Coconut milk is a fantastic marinade which tenderises the chicken and infuses it with rich flavour. The added bonus is that the marinade doubles as a scrumptious sauce! Cook this on your BBQ or stovetop.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 can coconut milk (preferably full fat, but light is ok) (14oz/400g)
  • 2 limes - all the zest + 3 tbsp of juice
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger , finely grated
  • 3 garlic cloves , crushed
  • 2 tbsp Frank's classic hot sauce , or other hot sauce of choice (adjust to taste) (Note 2)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper

Chicken

  • 1.5 lb / 750g chicken thigh fillets , skinless and boneless
  • 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)
  • 3/4 cup water

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

  • Combine the Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken and set aside to marinate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Remove the chicken from the Marinade, shaking off the excess. Keep the Marinade for the Sauce (below).
  • Brush the BBQ with oil and heat to medium high, or heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
  • Cook the chicken for around 7 minutes on the first side and 5 minutes on the second side, or until cooked through.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes.
  • Serve with Sauce and garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, if using.

Sauce

  • Pour the marinade into a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the water and bring to a simmer. Cook for at least 10 minutes, or until thickened to desired consistency. (Note 1) Transfer to a sauce bowl.

Recipe Notes:

1. Because the Sauce is made from the Marinade that the chicken was marinated in, it must be simmered for 10 minutes to be extra sure that it is safe for consumption and also to allow the ingredients to meld.
2. Franks is a brand of hot sauce that is probably the most well known in America. It is available in Coles and Woolworths in Australia in the aisle with tabasco, tomato sauce etc. and costs around $2.50 - $3.00. But you can substitute with any hot sauce you prefer - even sriracha! The hot sauce adds spiciness and a very mild touch of sour to the coconut sauce.
3. Adapted from a recipe by Bobby Flay.
4. Nutrition per serving, assuming the marinade is made with full fat coconut milk and all the Sauce is used.
Coconut marinated grilled chicken nutrition

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 344gCalories: 465cal (23%)Carbohydrates: 9.7g (3%)Protein: 36.5g (73%)Fat: 34.5g (53%)Saturated Fat: 23.4g (146%)Cholesterol: 142mg (47%)Sodium: 875mg (38%)Potassium: 358mg (10%)Fiber: 3.5g (15%)Sugar: 3.6g (4%)Vitamin A: 550IU (11%)Vitamin C: 6.6mg (8%)Calcium: 30mg (3%)Iron: 3.2mg (18%)
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

Previous Post
Announcing: The Food Photography Book
Next Post
Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp (Prawns)

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




120 Comments

  1. Lisa Kelly says

    November 7, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    OMG!!!!!!!! This was delicious, I could seriously just drink the sauce morning noon and night. It was amaze!!!!! I used breast because my family have officially decided that thigh and it’s texture, is not for them so from now on all of your recipes are going to have to be with breast (ooooh this is sounding saucy lol). I served it up with your restaurant style chines broccoli with oyster sauce (sooooo perfect, husband is in love) and some rice. Fantastic meal and the whole family loved it.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      November 7, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      AWESOME! So happy to hear you and the fam enjoyed this Lisa, and thanks for letting me know! N x

      Reply
  2. jennifer says

    August 2, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    5 stars
    This was super yummy. Th sauce was terrific — fabulous flavor with just a little kick!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      August 3, 2016 at 7:25 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this Jennifer! I have a big soft spot for this 🙂 Thank you for coming back o let me know! N x

      Reply
    • Nagi says

      August 3, 2016 at 7:25 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this Jennifer! I have a big soft spot for this 🙂 Thank you for coming back to let me know! N x

      Reply
  3. Yvonne says

    May 10, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    What a yummy recipe! It was a hit with the whole family, including the discerning five and nine-year-old 😉
    I have a question regarding the sauce though. I simmered for at least 20 min. and the consistency did not change. How long must I leave it to achieve a thicker sauce, such as yours in the picture?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 13, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      That’s odd! 20 minutes is ages, it should definitely thicken well before then, especially given it has coconut in it. Did you use full fat?? In anycase, I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it Yvonne, thank you so much for coming back to let me know!!! N x

      Reply
  4. Bev says

    January 28, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    This was delicious!
    Love your website- thank you for all the wonderful recipes.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 29, 2016 at 5:36 pm

      YAY!! Glad to hear you enjoyed it Bev, thanks for taking time to come back and let me know!

      Reply
  5. Salina says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Hi so I’m going to make this tonight but don’t have a grill so going to pan sear them should I start with med/high then raise to high or cook them the med/high the whole time? Also should I pat them dry with a paper towel or just straight from the marinate to the pan thank you I really appreciate anyfeed back that would help ! 🙂

    Reply
    • Salina says

      January 19, 2016 at 8:04 am

      Oh and what kind of paprika I have Hungrian,smoked or just regular ground paprika 🙂

      Reply
      • Nagi | RecipeTin says

        January 19, 2016 at 9:53 am

        Hi Salina! Any will be great in this! 🙂

        Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:52 am

      Hi Salina! Medium high for the whole time should be just fine. And nope, don’t pat them dry, just plonk them straight in the pan!

      Reply
      • Salina says

        January 19, 2016 at 2:06 pm

        Awesome thank you! I’m excited and hungry

        Reply
  6. Fiona says

    December 4, 2015 at 6:47 am

    I want try this but I don’t have limes, would this work with lemon juice instead?

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      December 6, 2015 at 7:53 am

      Hi Fiona! I don’t feel that lemons has the same flavour, I’m sorry! Lime + lemon grass + coconut is a match made in heaven. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Amy says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:11 am

    This sauce… Wow!!!

    I didn’t marinade my chicken for long enough so was a little bland but the sauce was amazing. Will double up sauce recipe next time for more sauce as it was a bit sparse once thickened!

    Do you think you could use this sauce as a base for a curry? Wondered if I could pop chicken in to simmer rather than grill like crazy on my tiny George foreman!

    Made your coconut rice with this – deffo doing again (and again!)

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      October 15, 2015 at 9:09 am

      YES! It’s like you read my mind! I made a chicken curry using the sauce. 🙂 I thinned it out with chicken broth and increased the flavour a bit. It was so delicious and I definitely plan to share it soon!

      Reply
  8. Jasdip says

    September 24, 2015 at 8:00 am

    Wow. I came across your site today and it’s amazing. Your photography is top-notch and I want to lick the screen!

    I’ve got a can of coconut milk and this will be a perfect way to use it up. I’m also making your Greek Chicken and Rice this week, and your Sticky Mongolian Beef is on my to-try soon list!!! Heck I’ll just make ALL of your recipes.

    Fantastic blog, Nagi. Keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 25, 2015 at 6:52 am

      Thank you Jasdiip! 🙂 Oooh, the Greek Chicken and Rice is a big blog favorite at the moment! I do hope you love it!!

      Reply
  9. Amanda | The Chunky Chef says

    September 13, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    Nagi, this looks amazing!!! I started saving my marinades and simmering them down to make a sauce and it’s been one of the best things I’ve learned in cooking 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 14, 2015 at 7:37 am

      I love it! I do it for most of my marinades too 🙂

      Reply
  10. Vanessa Baggio says

    September 10, 2015 at 7:00 am

    2 stars
    Hey Nagi
    last Saturday night seems like a long time ago right now, but I really needed to let you know we had the coconut grilled chicken for dinner. As usual in our home, doubling the recipe is a must !
    And I MUST say, WOW ! This was sensational, and the sauce was finger lickin’ good. But, as usual there weren’t any leftovers for me to indulge in the next day but my husband was very pleased he had a healthy serve to take for lunch, made working on a Sunday a little more manageable ! We all love your recipes, I just say Nagi’s recipe and it’s like we are eating at your restaurant!!
    So thank you from all of us, you have really invigorated my inspiration for cooking which I lost for a while. X 5 stars as always but It won’t allow me to for some reason.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:50 pm

      Oooh! I am SO GLAD you and your family loved it!! Especially the sauce 🙂 Thank you for your kind words about my recipes, you made my day!! And we all need a little inspiration every now and then. That’s what life’s all about! N x

      Reply
  11. Barb Finch says

    September 10, 2015 at 2:55 am

    Wow, this looks sounds amazing!! I don’t remember getting your email about this dish, so I’m really glad I fell upon it on your site. Have to try it!

    I love Bobby Flay’s recipes and it’s fun to hear you are enjoying his show. He creates great flavors! Susan mentioned Tyler Florence and I like him as well. The tomato relish in his Dad’s Meatloaf with Tomato Relish recipe helped me see how to get great onion/tomato flavor in meatloaf without ending up with half-cooked onion bits.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:42 pm

      Ooh, I do hope you try this! It’s REALY good. Bobby Flay is awesome!

      Reply
  12. Gloria | Food Oh Glorious Food says

    September 8, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    5 stars
    J Daddy wants you to know this:

    – This dish is a definite “must make again and again and again”.
    – Oh, wow, this chicken is so tasty.
    – The sauce is great. The sauce is really great.
    – I took the leftovers to work and I made my work colleagues jealous. I was asked over and over again what my lunch was, so I made sure I told them it was a Nagi recipe.

    This is from me:

    – I was very sad when there were no leftovers for me today.
    – This dish is soooooooo amazing.
    – We were in love with this dish from the first bite, and enjoyed every single bite all the way to the end. And then wanted more.

    You feature so prominently on our weekly menu that I sometimes feel like I have to make excuses / justifications to J Daddy. But, rest assured, J Daddy LOVES your recipes, so much so that the last time I tried to justify why I was cooking 6 of your recipes in the one week, he said “Oh, I have no problems with you cooking Nagi’s recipes. I think you think I have a problem with it, but trust me, I am happy to eat any and all of Nagi’s recipes.” Yep – you have two very big fans here!

    https://instagram.com/p/7VDDJ7KyQp/

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 9, 2015 at 6:44 am

      OMG OMG!! Thank you SO MUCH for letting me know how much you and J Daddy enjoyed it. YAY YAY YAY! Literally doing the happy dance around the kitchen right now! I love the thought of J Daddy making all his work colleagues jealous!! And aren’t you nice giving him all the leftovers!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria | Food Oh Glorious Food says

        September 10, 2015 at 11:11 am

        And now, I have J Daddy’s family in NZ trying this recipe, based on my “review”. I’ll let you know what they think – this is on the menu tonight at Aunty Noelene and Uncle Dennis’s house!

        Reply
        • Nagi | RecipeTin says

          September 10, 2015 at 8:55 pm

          SO COOL!! 🙂 <3

          Reply
  13. Nyameka says

    September 3, 2015 at 12:51 am

    Nagi

    This looks amazing, trying it tomorrow evening ! Will give you feedback but I do not doubt that it will be as good as it looks!

    Please be on the lookout for my emails sent. I purchased the Wing Book but having download challenges.

    Kind Regards

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 3, 2015 at 5:29 am

      Hi Nyameka! I got your email and just responded with a new link – I do hope it works ok this time! I checked the links you sent me and actually, it worked ok for me. Strange. Technology – humph!

      I do hope you do try this!! It really is incredible. Bobby Flay. He’s a gem! N x

      Reply
  14. Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says

    September 2, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    I am in love with this grilled chicken. they look delicious and succulent. Craving this chicken right now.. Marinating the chicken with coconut milk sounds amazing.. Can’t wait to try this!! Pining! 😀

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 3, 2015 at 5:27 am

      Thanks so much Arpita! The marinated in coconut really does make an incredible difference. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says

    September 2, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Bobby Flay is awesome! I love watching his shows and his recipes never fail!

    These chickens look very delicious! Love the sweet coconut sauce/marinade. Gotta try them this labor day weekend!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 2, 2015 at 9:34 pm

      I agree! Sometimes his recipes have very lengthy ingredient lists but they are always EASY! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:10 am

    5 stars
    Big fan of Bobby Flay as well 🙂 This chicken looks incredible and I agree it would be a shame to get rid of the sauce!

    Reply
  17. Devorah Barnes says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:51 am

    Hi Nagi,
    This looks too delish for words. I was wondering if one could bake the chicken instead of grilling on a BBQ?
    TIA

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 2, 2015 at 5:43 am

      Hi Devorah! Yep, you sure can. You won’t get quite the caramelisation on the crust but the flavour inside will be the same. 🙂 Hope you love it!

      Reply
  18. Mary Frances says

    September 1, 2015 at 11:54 pm

    Marinating the chicken with coconut milk is a fantastic idea! This dish looks mouthwatering! Can’t wait to try it out this week.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 2, 2015 at 7:42 am

      Thanks Mary! I can’t take credit – all goes to Bobby Flay! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Anna Wilson says

    September 1, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    Hi. It was my first time when I tried to make your recipe! 🙂 it was very easy and clear instructions . When I made this dinner me and my husband where in paradise! It was perfect dish for first day of spring! – very fresh and juicy! I made it with black rice and salad: lettuce, orange and papaya fresh seeds . Thank you for that great recipe! 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 2, 2015 at 7:41 am

      Hi Anna! Oooh, I love the sides you made! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Thank you so much for coming back to let me know! 🙂 N x

      Reply
  20. Tania @My Kitchen Stories says

    September 1, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    All those flavours sound epic together Nagi. perfect BBQ food . Bobby Flay. I havent heard that name in a while .

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      September 2, 2015 at 7:40 am

      He’s a legend!! 🙂

      Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

What's for Dinner?

Close up of beef enchiladas in a baking dish, fresh out of the oven

Beef Enchiladas

Butter Chicken served over basmati rice in a bowl, ready to be served

Butter Chicken

Overhead photo of 2 black bowls with Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Dressing, ready to be eaten

Chinese Chicken Salad

Salisbury Steak recipe in skillet.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken - 7 ingredient magic. The coconut fragrance is heavenly! recipetineats.com

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken

Fast prep. Big flavours!

Never miss a recipe

Back to Top
  • Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
  • Food Bloggers Center
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • Image Use
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits Maintained by Zao Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled © RecipeTin Eats 2023 · All Rights Reserved Back to Top