Papaya Chicken
A vibrant chicken dish infused with curry and tropical papaya nectar, topped with ginger and served over rice for a flavorful, exotic meal perfect for entertaining or weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine flour, curry powder, salt, and pepper, and coat the chicken pieces.
- Brown the coated chicken in oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Drain the chicken and arrange in a shallow baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until tender.
- Pour off oil from the skillet.
- Dissolve cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of papaya nectar and set aside.
- Pour the remaining papaya nectar into the skillet.
- Add the crystallized ginger and brown sugar to the skillet.
- Simmer on medium heat, scraping up any bottom bits.
- Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Drain excess fat from the baked chicken.
- Arrange papaya slices over the chicken and cover with the sauce.
- Return to the oven and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the flour and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have papaya nectar, mango or pineapple juice can be good substitutes. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Papaya Chicken over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with Rafus' Cajun Rice for a spicy twist. Consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. For a tropical touch, garnish with fresh papaya slices or cilantro.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave, but be cautious not to overcook the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Papaya Chicken contains roughly 696 calories, with 4g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken will work well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Boneless pieces will usually need less time in the oven, so check for doneness after 30 minutes.
What can I serve with Papaya Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine or basmati rice. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a unique side, consider trying Chicken Rice Medley for a flavorful combination.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce before combining them and baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).