Caribbean Coconut Chicken
Caribbean Coconut Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic dish featuring chicken simmered or baked in a rich coconut milk-based sauce, often infused with a blend of herbs and spices like allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. It hails from the Caribbean islands, with popular variations found in Jamaica, Trinidad, and other West Indian cuisines, where coconut milk is a staple ingredient.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the coconut milk, while being relatively low in carbohydrates unless served with starchy sides like rice. A standard serving (about 1 cup) can range from 300 to 450 calories, providing key nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2.8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the dish reflects the Caribbean's historical fusion of African, Indigenous, and European culinary influences, with coconut milk serving as a creamy, dairy-free base. Nutritionally, the coconut milk adds medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other fats and may offer quick energy.
