
Dominican Chicken Breast in Coconut, Lime, and Sweet Pepper Sauce
An original recipe inspired by the flavors of the Dominican Republic: chicken breasts marinated with garlic, oregano, and lime, seared and finished in a silky coconut sauce with sweet peppers, onion, and cilantro. Perfect for a flavorful Caribbean-style main course.
Ingredients
- 680 g skinless chicken breasts (cut por the mitad a lo largo for filetes more delgados)
- 45 ml fresh lime juice (divided)
- 18 g garlic (chopped finely)
- 2 g dried oregano
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 150 g red onion (in strips finas)
- 120 g Dominican sweet peppers (without semillas and sliced)
- 30 g tomato paste
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 120 ml chicken broth
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 15 ml honey
- 1 unit bay leaf
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lime juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 2
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- 3
3. In the same skillet, add the red onion and sweet peppers. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until softened and fragrant.
- 4
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring so it lightly caramelizes without burning.
- 5
5. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 6
6. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any collected juices. Lower the heat to medium-low, partially cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes more, until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C.
- 7
7. Remove the bay leaf. Add the fresh cilantro and cook 1 additional minute to bring the flavors together.
- 8
8. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. Serve the chicken hot, spooning the coconut sauce, onions, and sweet peppers over the top.
Chef tips
For an even more Dominican feel, serve with white rice, tostones, or boiled cassava. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
Substitutions
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts, adjusting the cooking time based on thickness. If you cannot find Dominican sweet peppers, use mini sweet peppers. Fresh parsley can replace cilantro.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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