Keto Chicken in Coconut Spinach Chile Sauce with Sesame Crunch
🥑 Keto
Intermediate

Keto Chicken in Coconut Spinach Chile Sauce with Sesame Crunch

An original keto recipe featuring browned chicken thighs finished in a silky coconut milk sauce with fresh spinach, mild chile, and ginger, topped with a toasted sesame crunch. It is flavorful, comforting, and low in carbs.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
KetoGluten-FreeDairy-FreeLow CarbHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
  • 6 g salt (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 4 g smoked paprika
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 100 g onion (finely chopped)
  • 12 g garlic (chopped)
  • 12 g fresh ginger (grated)
  • 120 g poblano pepper (in strips finas)
  • 400 ml unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
  • 120 ml chicken broth
  • 120 g fresh spinach (lightly packed)
  • 15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 18 g sesame seeds
  • 20 g unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

498 kcal
Calories
32 g
Protein
8 g
Carbs
38 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
5 g
Net carbs

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

Sesame

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.

  2. 2

    Season the chicken thighs with 4 g (3/4 tsp) of the salt, the black pepper, and the smoked paprika.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely colored, then transfer it to a plate.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and poblano pepper, and cook 2 minutes more, stirring so they do not burn.

  5. 5

    Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add the remaining 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt and simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.

  6. 6

    Add the fresh spinach in batches and stir until wilted. Add the lime juice and mix well.

  7. 7

    Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, until the chicken is fully cooked.

  8. 8

    Meanwhile, place the sesame seeds and shredded coconut in a small dry skillet. Toast over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant.

  9. 9

    Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the sesame-coconut crunch on top and finish with the chopped fresh cilantro.

  10. 10

    Serve hot, making sure each portion gets plenty of coconut sauce, spinach, and crunchy topping.

Chef tips

If you want a thicker sauce, let the coconut mixture reduce for 2 to 3 extra minutes before returning the chicken to the skillet. For more heat, add a few slices of fresh green chile along with the poblano.

Substitutions

You can use turkey thigh instead of chicken, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Poblano can be replaced with green bell pepper for a milder flavor. Cilantro can be swapped for fresh parsley.

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 image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-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
    View on Amazon

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