Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

The Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring diced chicken breast seasoned with smoky paprika and herbs, simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with fresh ginger and garlic. The dish is served over fragrant jasmine rice and topped with fresh cilantro, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it ideal for various dietary needs. The recipe is versatile, allowing for easy substitutions with different proteins or making it vegetarian by adding vegetables.
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Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 20:47:48 GMT
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Fragrant coconut milk infuses tender chicken pieces in this protein-rich rice bowl, creating a comforting meal that brings restaurant quality flavor right to your dinner table. The aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and onion creates a silky sauce that coats each morsel of chicken perfectly, while fluffy jasmine rice soaks up every drop of the creamy coconut goodness.

After discovering this recipe last summer, it has become my family's most requested dinner. My children, usually picky with new dishes, clean their plates every time. The coconut sauce reminds me of my grandmother's cooking, though I've added my own modern twist to her traditional methods.

Essential Bowl Components

  • Chicken breast: Brings lean protein while absorbing flavors beautifully. Choose pieces that feel firm and have a pink, healthy color
  • Light coconut milk: Creates that signature creamy sauce without overwhelming richness. Look for cans with no separation and minimal additives
  • Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and complexity. Select firm roots with smooth skin, avoiding any soft spots or wrinkles
  • Jasmine rice: Provides the perfect foundation with its natural floral aroma. Premium grains should appear translucent and unbroken
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with essential flavor compounds. Choose tight, heavy heads with no green sprouts
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Creating Your Bowl

Beginning Foundation:
Dice chicken into uniform chunks, ensuring even cooking. Season generously with aromatic paprika, dried herbs, and sea salt, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
Golden Sear Development:
Heat your largest skillet until wisps of smoke appear. Arrange seasoned chicken in a single layer, allowing golden crust to develop undisturbed. The searing process creates rich flavor compounds.
Aromatic Base Building:
Soften minced onion, garlic and ginger in the chicken-flavored skillet, releasing their essential oils. The fond from the chicken enriches the aromatics as they cook.
Sauce Creation Magic:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Whisk in coconut milk and tomato paste until velvety smooth. Let sauce gently simmer and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon.
Final Harmony Achievement:
Return chicken and accumulated juices to the pan, allowing flavors to meld. Simmer until sauce clings to each piece. Serve over fragrant rice and garnish generously.

Among all these beneficial ingredients, ginger holds a special place in my kitchen. Growing up, my mother would make ginger tea whenever we felt under the weather. This recipe brings back those comforting memories while adding modern nutritional benefits to our family meals.

Mouthwatering Pairings

Transform this bowl into a complete feast by serving alongside crisp cucumber slices dressed with rice vinegar. Asian-inspired roasted vegetables like bok choy or snow peas complement the coconut sauce perfectly. For added texture, sprinkle with crushed cashews or toasted sesame seeds.

Creative Bowl Twists

Experiment with protein options by substituting succulent shrimp or crispy tofu for chicken. Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to boost nutrition. For extra heat, stir in Thai red curry paste or fresh chilies. Brown rice or quinoa can replace jasmine rice for added fiber.

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Keeping Fresh Delights

Store any remaining coconut chicken in airtight containers, keeping rice separate to maintain optimal texture. Leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for four days. When reheating, add a splash of coconut milk to restore the sauce's silky consistency. For busy weeks, portion into individual servings for grab-and-go meals.

This coconut chicken bowl has become my signature dish for both family dinners and casual entertaining. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and creamy coconut sauce creates a symphony of flavors that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite.

The recipe has evolved in my kitchen over countless preparations, each time teaching me something new about balance and timing. The magic lies in those moments when the sauce begins to thicken and the aromas fill your kitchen - that's when you know you're creating something truly special.

I've introduced it to countless friends who now make it regularly for their own families. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and forgiving nature - even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-worthy results by following the detailed steps. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with care and attention, can create extraordinary meals that bring people together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure proper browning.
→ What's the best rice to use?
Jasmine or basmati rice work best, but any long-grain rice will work well with this dish.
→ Can I make this spicier?
Add red curry paste, fresh chilis, or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level to your taste.
→ Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
→ Can I use full-fat coconut milk?
Yes, full-fat coconut milk will make the sauce richer and creamier.

Easy Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

This protein-rich coconut chicken rice bowl combines tender chicken and aromatic rice in a creamy coconut milk sauce for a quick, healthy meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Seasoning

01 1 1/2 lbs diced chicken breast
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano or dried herbs

→ Sauce Ingredients

05 1/2 onion (minced)
06 3 cloves of garlic
07 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or up to 1 tablespoon for extra ginger flavor)
08 1/4 cup chicken broth
09 1 1/4 cup canned light coconut milk (from 1 can)
10 1 tbsp of tomato paste
11 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ For the Bowls

12 3 cups cooked jasmine rice or basmati
13 fresh cilantro
14 more coconut milk (optional for topping)

Instructions

Step 01

Season the chicken with salt, paprika and dried herbs.

Step 02

Preheat a large skillet over high and spray with oil then brown the chicken in an even layer, 3-5 minutes.

Step 03

Once browned, remove the chicken, reduce heat and spray with more oil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and cook 1 minute, then add the broth to deglaze the pan.

Step 04

Simmer about 1 minute then add in the tomato paste, coconut milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Step 05

Bring the sauce to a simmer for a few minutes to thicken, add the chicken back along with any juices and cook on medium heat 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 06

Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with cilantro and drizzle with more coconut milk, if desired.

Notes

  1. Can use chicken thighs instead of breasts
  2. Try with tofu or shrimp for protein variation
  3. Make vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding tofu and vegetables
  4. Can add red curry paste for a coconut curry variation

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 429
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 40 g