Spicy Coconut Chicken
This spicy coconut chicken dish will be on the regular rotation, especially if you love Weight Watchers recipes! It’s only 3 Weight Watchers points for the chicken and sauce, leaving the option up to you if you want to serve it over my green bean fried rice or cauliflower rice.
How I learned to cook
When I first learned how to cook, coconut milk was a complete mystery to me. It wasn’t something I grew up with—we were a classic Midwestern family that leaned heavy into casseroles, meat and potatoes, and the occasional “taco night” that usually meant ground beef, a packet of seasoning, and shredded cheddar. The idea of using something like coconut milk, especially in a savory dish, felt so foreign back then. But over time, as my curiosity (and palate!) expanded, I started to crave more diverse flavors and fell in love with experimenting in the kitchen. What I found was that not only could these bold global flavors be deeply satisfying, but with a little creativity, they could also be surprisingly healthy.
This spicy coconut chicken is the perfect example. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and packed with flavor—without being overly heavy. Served over green bean fried rice, it’s a balanced, filling meal that feels indulgent but won’t derail your day. If you’re following Weight Watchers, this is one of those recipes that brings all the satisfaction of takeout without the hidden points. It’s one of my go-to Weight Watchers recipes when I want something comforting but still on plan.
Ingredients for Spicy Coconut Chicken
- chicken – I used thighs because they are so flavorful, but feel free to substitute with chicken breast
- flour, salt and pepper
- garlic, ginger and jalapeno
- tomato paste
- soy sauce
- sriracha
- light coconut milk
- chicken bouillon (this is the brand I love)
Spicy Coconut Chicken
This spicy coconut chicken is so flavorful. You taste the garlic, jalapeno and ginger and I could literally do shots of this coconut sauce. The chicken and sauce on it's own is only 3 WW points. I added a cup of green bean fried rice to add 6 points to this dish, but this could easily be a low carb option served over cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 oz chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tbsp jalapeño, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- ⅓ cup light coconut milk
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp lime juice
- For the Green Bean Fried Rice:
- ½ cup green beans, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Optional Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
In a ziplock bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken and shake until evenly coated. Set aside.
Make the Green Bean Fried Rice:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray with avocado oil. Add the green beans and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred. Add the cooked rice and 1 tsp soy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, spray more avocado oil and add the floured chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. (it will continue to cook in the sauce to bring it to 165). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Spray the skillet again with avocado oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and jalapeño. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute.
In a small bowl, mix the coconut milk with the chicken bouillon and lime juice. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, or until it starts to bubble and thicken.
Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Spoon the green bean fried rice into a bowl, top with the chicken, and drizzle the remaining sauce over everything.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Notes
As of the date of this publication, the chicken is 3 Weight Watchers points. Click here for the WW tracker. (side note: as of April 2024, you can no longer track from my website if you are on a laptop. You need to open the recipe on your phone to track directly to the Weight Watchers app, because they discontinued most of the features on their website.)
Light vs. Full-Fat Coconut Milk: What is this difference?
Coconut milk is made by blending coconut meat with water and then straining it. The result is a creamy liquid that’s a staple in many Southeast Asian and Caribbean dishes. But not all coconut milk is created equal.
Full-fat coconut milk is thick, rich, and has a higher fat content—usually around 12 to 15 grams of fat per 1/4 cup. It adds an intense creaminess to soups, curries, and sauces, and is great when you’re going for that luxurious mouthfeel.
Light coconut milk, on the other hand, is diluted with more water, resulting in a thinner consistency and lower fat and calorie count—typically around 4 to 5 grams of fat per 1/4 cup. While you lose some of the richness, it’s a fantastic option when you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing too much flavor. In this recipe, the light coconut milk still gives you that silky sauce feel, especially when paired with the boldness of ginger, garlic, and jalapeño.
Weight Watchers Chicken Recipes
The process is slow, but I am categorizing my Weight Watcher recipes on my blog so that you can actually find what you are looking for. For more inspiration, check out my chicken archives.
New Here?
If you are new here, welcome to My Bizzy Kitchen! I started this blog 16 years ago to document my recipes and daily life, never imagining it would one day become my full-time career. After losing my husband nearly 10 years ago, I navigated the hardest chapter of my life while still finding joy in cooking and sharing my journey.
In December 2020, I took a leap of faith and left my 30-year career as a legal secretary to pursue My Bizzy Kitchen full-time—a decision that changed my life.
Two years later, in October 2022, I was able to hire my daughter, Hannah, full-time, which brings me so much joy. Now, My Bizzy Kitchen is more than just recipes—it’s about embracing life, finding balance, and making healthy living sustainable and fun.
Follow along for delicious recipes (mostly Weight Watchers friendly!), realistic weight loss tips, and my daily adventures on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook (@mybizzykitchen). Let’s get bizzy in the kitchen together!
