It turns out that our teenage son is not only rebelling against his loving parents, he also recently took a big swipe at British particle physicist Brian Cox (happy to know we’re in good company).
I bought the BBC Series ‘Wonders of the Universe’ and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ as a Christmas gift for the family this year. I thought it was a smashing idea. We’ve often worked our way through life and science series in the past and have always enjoyed them. Not this time. We were only about an hour into the Solar System DVD when our eldest declared that he simply couldn’t bear another minute.
Son: “This is total BS Mom.”
Mom: “What’s that Dear? You want to pursue a Bachelor of Science?”
Son: “I can’t watch this. It’s nothing more than speculation based on a bunch of assumptions that we can’t measure and that are probably false and I guarantee you in 10 years from now, people will be laughing at the fact that we sat down to watch this series.”
Ouch.
Who are you and what have you done with my sweet, trusting little boy??
We’ve always raised our boys to be free and independent thinkers so that’s all good; it’s the cynicism at the ripe old age of 14 that I wasn’t quite prepared for.
What’s that saying, “the older I get, the smarter my parents become”- hopefully he’ll return to us sometime in the next several decades. In the meantime, I’m holding on to our 12-year-old for dear life!
If you’re anything like us, chicken figures prominently in your mealtime planning so it’s always nice to have a few new tricks up your sleeve to give it a new taste sensation.
This Indian inspired recipe is a simple and affordable way to transform the ordinary.
The coconut-masala crust gives the skinless chicken thighs a crispy delicious exterior that is fully satisfying while keeping the interior tender and juicy. And there is no frying involved! All the magic happens in the oven. You will love the dipping sauce too.
(Recipe adapted from Canadian Living Magazine)
- 1 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut shavings
- 1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
- 2 Tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Pinch red pepper flakes or cayenne, if desired (they are hot)
- 8 – 10 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp honey
Notes:
Makes 8 – 10 coconut-masala chicken thighs.
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 F.
Combine coconut, panko, garam masala, onion powder, garlic powder, coriander and cayenne (if using) in a flat based dish, stirring to combine.
In a separate flat based dish, place beaten eggs.
Dip each chicken thigh into the egg mixture, being sure to fully saturate them and then dredge each thigh through the coconut/masala mixture making sure to fully coat the chicken with the mixture.
Arrange coated chicken on a foiled lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with some olive oil or brushed with melted coconut oil (that’s what I used). If you don’t use oil, the chicken pieces will stick and half of the crispy-delicious coating will stay on the foil (you won’t like that).
Cook the chicken thighs for 12 minutes on one side and then flip them over and return them to the oven for another 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. (I added a few pieces of uncooked coconut shavings to the top of the cooked chicken just for fun – I thought it looked pretty).
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine curried yogurt dipping sauce ingredients and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Enjoy.
Anonymous says
The recipe sounds delicious! And I love Brian Cox! He’s popular in America too!
Jeanette Chen says
Love your response to your son, so funny. Hang on tight…ah, the teenage years. I’ve got two right now and I’m just waiting it out. My oldest has really matured over the past year, so I know things will get better and that they will return to this planet soon enough ;).
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Eva Taylor says
At least you know he is confident to share his opinion, all in all, it sounds like you’ve raised some lovely, thoughtful and well rounded young men.
The chicken will surely bring the family together, food always does. I love a breaded chicken with such a flavourful dipping sauce. So pretty too.
Kristy says
Oh my goodness! I can totally hear Mr. N in that comment. You’re going to have to prepare me for what’s to come. ;) This meal looks delicious. I love the sweetness of the coconut with all the spiciness too. Looks like this one would be a winner around here. Good luck with the teen years. I remember them all too well – fortunately I came back around to liking my parents and valuing their judgement. ;)
justonecookbook says
Love the coconut breading! I made shrimp one before. I love your curried yogurt sauce too. Really refreshing which make you think you can get one more extra chicken piece… ;)
mjskit says
Smart kid you’ve got there Kelly! I’m sure it’s interesting watching him change physically and intellectually as he grows up. So what’s his theory of the universe? :) We always have chicken thighs in the freezer. I quit buying a whole chicken because we both always want the thighs. This is a great recipe and quite different than any I use. It’s like getting the fried chicken without the fat. Love the dipping sauce as well!
Sissi says
Such a beautiful crunchy chicken bits, coated in spiced coconut and not even fried???? You are a real fairy! I must test this magical recipe as soon as possible. As for Greek yogurt, since I can get only the 10% fat one, I try to avoid looking at it in my supermarket. (I mean it’s addictive and I moreover they sell it in packages of two! ? Needless to say I end both yogurts alone in two days max.). It seems that you have a very intelligent son!
Elizabeth says
Your story is truly inspirational and funny as hell to read!
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Suzanne Perazzini says
I tried chicken coated only in the coconut and I wasn’t keen on it. I am sure the mixture with panko crumbs would taste much better.
beyondthepeel says
Oh Kelly. I feel for you. I think I was dreadful too at 14 (ok it was 15 but meh). Just remember to laugh it off because this too shall pass. hahaha. In the meantime there’s amazing coconut masala chicken to enjoy. There’s always an upside. lol.
Guru Uru says
Haha you made me laugh this morning my friend :D
He sounds as opinionated as all us teens!
Lovely chicken recipe!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
SallyBR says
Priceless! If he ever wants to join our lab his spot is saved!
Great take on chicken thighs!
Katya says
Happy 2013! Very nice story, your chicken looks fantastic, have a good week :)
Angie says
I like your boy…he apparently has his own ideas ;-))
The chicken thighs look very crisp and pair so well with curry spiced yogurt dip.
inspirededibles says
Hello there and thank you for stopping by my blog! That our son is a thinker, there is no doubt. He’s been outsmarting his lawyer parents since he was about 4 ;0). I’m not sure upset characterizes the emotion – more a parent’s musings on keeping up with the pace of change… cheers and thanks for the note.
Koko says
Hahaha! I love your stories, Kelly. Great flavours in this recipe!
Debra says
Amazing chicken, I must say! I look forward to making this. My son’s critical thinking skills always gave me a good run for my money! I think having intelligent children is a huge learning curve for most of us parents! :-)
My Inner Chick says
You son is fabulous just like mum! Great conversation.
And the chicken looks “Out of this Universe!” Xx
Linda says
I’m laughing..but I should not as I’m the proud parent of one of THOSE teen boys..now 20 and just barely now stopping to briefly pause to reflect on what I say as I might possibly know something!! Its always good for our motherly soul to know we are not alone! Now I do believe my son will enjoy this – as long as I ‘bread’ the chicken he is good! I do know I will like it ;)
Wojciech G says
instead of getting ‘upset’, you should be celebrating his critical thinking…
inspirededibles says
Haha, Cheers Jill! (I shutter to think what our 14-year-old will sound like at 47 – LOL – although perhaps he will have softened by then). Thanks for stopping by ;0).
Jillbartholomew says
This Sounds Wonderful and as for your sons Bachelor of Science Degreee….he sounds Exactly like my 47 year old husband :)