Description

These Smothered Chicken Breasts feature tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce with smoky and aromatic flavors. This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts (600g / 1.3lb): Choose similar thickness for even cooking.
2 Tbsp (30ml) olive oil: For searing the chicken.
1 tsp (5g) kosher salt: Seasoning.
0.5 tsp (2.5g) black pepper: Freshly ground is preferred.
1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth.
0.5 tsp (2g) ground cumin: Warm, earthy flavor.
1 medium onion (150g / 5oz): Finely diced.
2 cloves garlic: Minced.
1 cup (240ml) low-sodium vegetable broth: Liquid base.
0.5 cup (120ml) full-fat coconut milk: Creamy richness.
1 Tbsp (15ml) tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor.
1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice: Brightens the sauce.
1 tsp (5g) dried thyme: Earthy, herbaceous note.
0.5 tsp (1g) matcha powder (optional): Subtle green hue.
1 Tbsp (15g) parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
2 tsp (10g) toasted almonds: Chopped, for crunch.
Zest of 0.5 lemon: For garnish.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in hot olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Build Sauce Base: Stir in tomato paste, then add vegetable broth and scrape up browned bits.
Create Creamy Sauce: Whisk in coconut milk, lemon juice, thyme, and matcha (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes.
Smother Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
Rest and Finish: Rest chicken for 5 minutes, stir parsley into sauce.
Plate and Garnish: Plate chicken, spoon sauce around, and garnish with lemon zest and almonds.

Notes

For optimal searing, ensure the chicken is completely dry and avoid overcrowding the pan. Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Poultry
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 breast
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: chicken, smothered, coconut milk, paprika, cumin, easy, dinner, weeknight, creamy