Welcome to a tropical feast for your taste buds with our Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl! This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and fluffy rice, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that feel like a mini-vacation in every bite. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests, this recipe will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Equipments
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
How to Make Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a saucepan and add 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Curry Sauce
In the same frying pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and curry powder. Stir the ingredients to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the frying pan, coating it well in the coconut curry sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
Step 5: Serve the Bowl
To assemble your coconut chicken rice bowl, spoon a generous serving of rice into a bowl. Top the rice with the coconut curry chicken. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with a lime wedge on the side for an extra zing.
How to Serve Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
For an artistic presentation, consider garnishing your bowl with toasted coconut flakes or chopped cilantro for an extra burst of color and flavor. Pairing with a fresh green salad on the side can complement the creamy richness of the dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best flavors, use high-quality coconut milk and fresh herbs. Grating your ginger freshly enhances the aromatic profile of the dish significantly. Lime juice right before serving elevates all the flavors and offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy coconut sauce.
Pump Up Your Protein: The High-Protein Version
For those seeking a protein boost, increase the chicken to 2.5 or 3 pounds, and consider adding in tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian variation that still packs a punch. This version is perfect for fitness enthusiasts who need that extra bit of protein while still enjoying a flavorful meal.
Low-Carb, High Flavor: The Low-Carb Coconut Chicken Bowl
Looking to keep it low-carb? Substitute the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly delight that’s just as satisfying. You can also incorporate bell peppers and zucchini as additional vegetables to keep it filling without the carbs.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to refresh the flavors. This dish also freezes well—store in a sealable freezer bag for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, brown rice can be a healthy substitute, though it may alter the cooking time.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to add red chili flakes or a fresh chili pepper according to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then combine them with fresh rice when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Reduce the amount of coconut milk slightly or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option.
Your Thoughts Matter! Share Your Experience
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl brings a delightful exotic twist to your everyday meal rotation. Whether you tried the high-protein version or the low-carb delight, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Try out this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below, or give it a share with your fellow food enthusiasts!
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- jasmine rice
- coconut milk
- curry powder
- soy sauce
- olive oil
- minced garlic
- ginger
- Salt and pepper
- fresh basil
- lime wedges
Instructions
Steps
- Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a saucepan and add 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken until it's golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same frying pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and curry powder. Stir the ingredients to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the frying pan, coating it well in the coconut curry sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- To assemble your coconut chicken rice bowl, spoon a generous serving of rice into a bowl. Top the rice with the coconut curry chicken. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with a lime wedge on the side for an extra zing.