Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a quick and easy meal. It features tender chicken coated in a creamy coconut sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh cilantro. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and spices creates a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, with just a few easy steps and minimal prep time.
• Quick and Healthy: It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or protein.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Breast: I use diced chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs or another protein source.
• Kosher Salt, Smoked Paprika, and Dried Oregano: These spices add a warm and savory flavor to the chicken.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Onion: A minced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the sauce.
• Light Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Salt: To season the sauce.

For the Bowls:

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
• Cooked Rice: I use cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice, but you can use any type of cooked rice you prefer.
• More Coconut Milk: Optional, for drizzling over the finished dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Veggie Delight: Add some sautéed vegetables, like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas, to the chicken and sauce.
• Curry: Add some red curry paste to the sauce for a Thai-inspired twist.
• Different Grains: Serve the coconut chicken over quinoa, brown rice, or another grain of your choice.

How to Make Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the diced chicken breast with salt, paprika, and dried oregano.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Preheat a large skillet over high heat and spray with cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook in an even layer for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and spray the skillet with more cooking oil. Add the minced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 1 minute, then add the tomato paste, coconut milk, and salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of coconut milk, if desired.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This will help it brown properly.
• Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How to Serve

This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would also be delicious alongside this rice bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Storing: Store leftover rice bowls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, tofu, or shrimp instead of chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and add some tofu and your favorite vegetables.

There you have it! A flavorful and easy-to-make Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl recipe. I hope you enjoy it!

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