There was a time when I tried to create an exotic coconut chicken dish to impress my family, but I made the rookie mistake of using sweetened coconut milk instead of unsweetened. The result? A dish so sugary it could have passed as dessert! That experience taught me the importance of balancing flavors, and from that lesson, this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl recipe was born.
This dish strikes the perfect harmony between creamy coconut milk, savory chicken, and aromatic spices, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re a busy home cook or looking to impress guests, this recipe is a foolproof option.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Balanced Flavors: The creaminess of the coconut milk pairs beautifully with the subtle heat from smoked paprika and the brightness of fresh ginger.
Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the rice for quinoa to make it your own.
Nutritious: Packed with protein and naturally gluten- and dairy-free, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences.
Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for packed lunches or quick dinners.
Ingredients for Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs (680g) diced chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed dried herbs
For the Sauce
½ onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or more for extra flavor)
¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
1¼ cups (300ml) canned light coconut milk
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving
3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Additional coconut milk (optional, for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over high heat and lightly spray it with cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–5 minutes until browned. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow the chicken to sear properly. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and spray the skillet with a bit more oil if needed. Add the minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for about a minute. Stir in the tomato paste, light coconut milk, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Cook over medium heat for an additional 3–4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide the cooked jasmine or basmati rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the coconut chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. If you prefer an extra creamy touch, drizzle some additional coconut milk over the top.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Choose the Right Rice: Jasmine and basmati rice are fragrant and pair wonderfully with the coconut sauce. For a healthier twist, substitute with brown rice or quinoa.
Boost the Vegetables: Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and add color to the dish.
Adjust the Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or stir in a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce. For milder flavors, reduce the amount of ginger and omit any spicy additions.
Prep Ahead: Cook the rice and chop the vegetables in advance to save time during the busy week. You can also marinate the chicken with the seasoning for a deeper flavor profile.
Freezing and Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~429 kcal
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~10g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~100mg
Sodium: ~850mg
Why This Dish Works
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the savory depth of smoked paprika and tomato paste, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The fresh ginger and garlic add brightness, while the cilantro garnish brings a refreshing contrast. The use of light coconut milk keeps the dish flavorful yet lighter, making it perfect for those watching their calorie intake without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a crisp side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to complement the creamy coconut flavors. Alternatively, pair it with roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli for a heartier meal.
For a touch of indulgence, serve the bowls with warm naan or flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion: A Bowl Full of Flavor
A Recipe That Elevates Simple Ingredients
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl recipe is a shining example of how basic ingredients can come together to create something truly special. By blending tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices, this dish transforms your dinner table into a feast of flavors. The recipe’s simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of all levels, while its bold taste and beautiful presentation make it worthy of any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, prepping meals for the week, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe has you covered. The creamy coconut sauce coats the juicy chicken pieces, and when paired with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, it creates a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This recipe isn’t just for weeknights—it’s versatile enough to shine at any time:
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: With a total time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Meal Prep Hero: It stores beautifully, making it an ideal option for planning ahead. The flavors meld even more as it sits, creating even tastier leftovers.
- Dinner Party Favorite: Its rich, aromatic flavors and vibrant garnishes make it a visually appealing and crowd-pleasing option for gatherings.
Endless Customization Options
One of the best things about this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or available ingredients.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a bit of heat that complements the creamy coconut milk.
- Change the Grain: Swap out the rice for quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice to adjust the nutritional profile.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or toasted coconut on top for added texture and flavor.
Share Your Culinary Adventure
Have you tried making this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl? I’d love to hear about your experience! Whether you followed the recipe exactly or experimented with your own unique twists, your feedback is invaluable. Did you discover a new vegetable pairing? Perhaps you found a way to make the sauce even creamier or gave the dish a spicy kick.
Don’t Forget to Tag Me
If you share your creation on social media, don’t forget to tag me! Seeing your photos and reading your thoughts on this dish makes my day. Plus, your ideas could inspire others in our cooking community.
A Meal Worth Repeating
This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder that cooking can be both creative and comforting. It’s about taking simple, wholesome ingredients and transforming them into something that brings joy to the table. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a celebration with loved ones, this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl will undoubtedly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Here’s to Flavorful and Memorable Meals
Cooking is about more than just feeding yourself or your family—it’s about creating memories, enjoying the process, and savoring the results. This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl embodies all of these principles. It’s easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and versatile enough to share with others.
Here’s to meals that nourish both body and soul. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites, just as it has become one of mine. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Print
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl: A Balanced and Flavorful Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate comfort meal, featuring tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic coconut sauce over fluffy jasmine rice. Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680g) diced chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed dried herbs
- ½ onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 1¼ cups (300ml) canned light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for the sauce)
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional coconut milk (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Combine diced chicken with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss to coat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over high heat, spray with oil, and cook chicken in a single layer for 3–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 1 minute. Deglaze with chicken broth, then add tomato paste, coconut milk, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until fully cooked.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice among bowls, top with chicken and sauce, and garnish with cilantro and extra coconut milk if desired.
Notes
- Rice Options: Substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for dietary needs.
- Vegetable Additions: Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like snap peas, spinach, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Storage: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired