Description
Creamy coconut chicken rice bowls bring comforting flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) diced chicken breast
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 tablespoon for extra gingery flavor)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or dried herbs
- 1/2 onion (minced)
Liquid and Base Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cup canned light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice or basmati
- Fresh cilantro
- Additional coconut milk (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a blend of kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried herbs, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large skillet to high temperature, lightly spritz with cooking oil, and place seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and developing a crisp exterior.
- Transfer browned chicken to a plate. Reduce skillet heat and add a fresh spray of oil. Introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth, scraping up any caramelized bits from the pan’s surface. Allow liquid to simmer for one minute, concentrating flavors.
- Incorporate tomato paste and rich coconut milk into the skillet, seasoning with additional salt. Gently simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken and develop depth.
- Reintroduce seared chicken to the sauce, including any accumulated juices. Simmer on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly coated and heated through.
- Plate the saucy chicken atop fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and optionally drizzle with extra coconut milk for enhanced creaminess.
Notes
- Customize Spice Levels Adjust the smoked paprika and dried herbs to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
- Protein Swap Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for a versatile vegetarian or alternative protein option that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
- Perfect Browning Ensure chicken pieces are patted dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Meal Prep Friendly This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or make-ahead dinners that taste just as delicious reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg