Description
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and the tropical richness of coconut milk. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a perfect balance of protein, flavor, and texture, ideal for busy weeknights or a healthy meal.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup diced cucumber (for topping)
1/2 cup shredded carrots (for topping)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, turmeric, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Spoon the cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Top with the creamy coconut chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro, cucumber, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm and enjoy the tropical flavors!
Notes
For a spicier version, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the coconut milk mixture.
For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top along with sesame seeds.
Cauliflower rice can be used for a low-carb alternative to regular rice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tropical/Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg