Coconut-Crusted Curried Chicken Bites
These delectable coconut-crusted curried chicken bites offer a delightful balance of creamy texture, a hint of nutty crunch, and aromatic curry flavors. Perfectly sized for gatherings, these hors d'oeuvres are easy to prepare and sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
30 bite-size pieces
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
2 cups (none)
boneless chicken breasts
8 ounces (pounded lightly at the thick end)
cream cheese
3 ounces (at room temperature)
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none)
onions
2 tablespoons (minced)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (none)
walnuts
1 cup (chopped medium-fine)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
shredded sweetened coconut
3/4 cup (toasted on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C))
Instructions
1
Place the chicken stock and boneless chicken breasts in a small saucepan over low heat.
2
Cover the saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 minutes then remove from heat.
3
Allow the chicken to cool completely in the stock, which can be done the day before if preferred.
4
Remove the chicken from the stock, reserving the liquid for another use like soup, and chop the chicken into medium-fine pieces.
5
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth with the mayonnaise.
6
Add chopped chicken, minced onions, curry powder, walnuts, and kosher salt to the cream cheese mixture, gently combining all ingredients.
7
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, which makes it easier to handle.
8
With dampened hands, roll the chilled mixture into 3/4-inch balls.
9
Roll the chicken balls in the toasted coconut to evenly coat them.
10
If possible, serve the coconut-crusted bites within an hour to maintain the coconut's crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coconut-Crusted Curried Chicken Bites?
They are savory bite-sized appetizers made with poached chicken, cream cheese, curry powder, and walnuts, coated in toasted shredded coconut.
How many pieces does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 bite-size pieces.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken base?
You will need chicken stock, boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced onions, curry powder, walnuts, and kosher salt.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be boneless and pounded lightly at the thick end for even cooking.
How long should the chicken be cooked?
The chicken should be simmered in stock for 8 minutes and then allowed to cool completely in the liquid.
Can the chicken be prepared in advance?
Yes, the chicken can be poached and cooled in the stock the day before you plan to assemble the bites.
What should I do with the chicken stock after poaching?
The stock should be reserved for another use, such as making soup.
How should the chicken be chopped?
The chicken should be chopped into medium-fine pieces once it has cooled completely.
What temperature should the cream cheese be?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it can be beaten until smooth.
How do I combine the base ingredients?
Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth, then gently mix in the chicken, onions, curry powder, walnuts, and salt.
What type of onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced onions.
How much curry powder is used?
One teaspoon of curry powder is added to give the bites their aromatic flavor.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of walnuts, which should be chopped medium-fine.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How long must the mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours before handling.
Why is refrigeration necessary?
Chilling the mixture makes it firmer and much easier to roll into balls.
What is the best way to roll the chicken balls?
Roll the chilled mixture into balls using dampened hands to prevent sticking.
What size should the chicken bites be?
The mixture should be rolled into 3/4-inch balls.
What is used for the outer coating?
The bites are rolled in 3/4 cup of toasted shredded sweetened coconut.
How do I toast the coconut?
Spread the shredded sweetened coconut on a baking sheet and toast it at 350°F (175°C).
When should the coconut-crusted bites be served?
It is best to serve them within an hour of assembly to maintain the crunch of the coconut.
What is the flavor profile of this appetizer?
The dish offers a balance of creamy texture, nutty crunch, and aromatic curry flavors.
Can I use any type of chicken?
The recipe specifically requires 8 ounces of boneless chicken breasts.
What is the main fat source for the binder?
A combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise is used to bind the ingredients together.
Is this a hot or cold appetizer?
These are served chilled or at room temperature, as the mixture is refrigerated and the chicken is pre-cooked.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include appetizer, hors d'oeuvre, chicken, coconut, curried, party food, finger food, and savory bites.
Is the coconut sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe calls for shredded sweetened coconut.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken stock for poaching.
How fine should the walnuts be chopped?
The walnuts should be chopped medium-fine to match the texture of the chicken.
How much mayonnaise is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.