CRISP COCONUT CHICKEN WITH ROASTED RED BELL PEPPER SAUCE

Crisp Coconut Chicken with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce image

Categories Blender Chicken Bake Roast Valentine's Day Coconut Bell Pepper Gourmet

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

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Ingredients

1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sugar
cayenne to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 whole skinless boneless large chicken breast (about 10 ounces), halved
all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and black pepper for dredging the chicken
an egg wash made by beating 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon water
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dry Sherry

Steps:

In a blender purée the bell pepper with the lemon juice, the sugar, the cayenne, the oil, and salt and black pepper to taste until the sauce is smooth. In a small bowl whisk together the garlic paste, the ginger, and the mustard and spread the mixture onto both sides of the chicken. In separate bowls have ready the seasoned flour, the egg wash, and the coconut. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess, dip it in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off, and coat it thoroughly with the coconut, pressing the coconut to make it adhere.
In a large ovenproof skillet heat the butter over moderately high heat until the foam subsides and in it sauté the chicken for 2 minutes on each side, or until the coconut is golden. Add the Sherry, transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F. oven, and bake the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is just cooked through. Divide the sauce between 2 large plates and arrange the chicken on it.
To roast peppers:
Using a long-handled fork char the peppers over an open flame, turning them, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the skins are blackened. (Or broil the peppers on the rack of a broiler pan under a preheated broiler about 2 inches from the heat, turning them every 5 minutes, for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and charred.) Transfer the peppers to a bowl and let them steam, covered, until they are cool enough to handle. keeping the peppers whole, peel them starting at the blossom end, cut off the tops, and discard the seeds and ribs. (Wear rubber gloves when handling chilies.)