This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and wholesome dish that brings together the richness of coconut milk, the tenderness of chicken, and the crispness of fresh vegetables. The creamy coconut-infused jasmine rice provides the perfect base, while a hint of soy sauce, lime juice, and aromatic herbs add an irresistible depth of flavor. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, this dish is both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying.
Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you can create a dish that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with tropical-inspired flavors. Serve it as is or customize with your favorite vegetables for a meal that fits your taste and dietary needs.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add jasmine rice, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add broccoli, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cover and let steam for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with the coconut rice and vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, scallions, and fresh cilantro. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl – A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
The Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, one-pan dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked jasmine rice. It’s a well-balanced meal that brings together protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it ideal for those looking for a wholesome yet indulgent dish. This recipe is inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, incorporating the aromatic essence of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of lime to brighten the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that is both nourishing and packed with flavor, this coconut chicken rice bowl is a perfect choice. The creamy coconut milk infuses the rice with a subtle sweetness while keeping it light and fluffy. The chicken absorbs the aromatic spices, making every bite tender and juicy. The addition of fresh vegetables like broccoli, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots adds vibrant color, a satisfying crunch, and a boost of nutrients.
This dish is also incredibly easy to make. Since everything is cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a highly customizable recipe—you can swap out the vegetables, use a different protein, or even make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
The Perfect Balance of Ingredients
What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The coconut milk provides a creamy base, the chicken adds a savory depth, and the vegetables bring in freshness and crunch. The soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option) enhances the umami flavors, while a touch of honey or red pepper flakes can add a hint of sweetness or spice, depending on your preference. Finally, a squeeze of lime juice at the end elevates the dish, adding brightness that ties everything together.
Toasted coconut flakes on top add the final touch—a slight nuttiness and a delightful texture contrast that makes this dish even more satisfying.
Health Benefits of This Dish
Aside from being incredibly tasty, this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with essential nutrients. The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer. Coconut milk contains healthy fats that support brain function and provide sustained energy.
The vegetables in this recipe are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C, red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants, and carrots provide beta-carotene for healthy skin and eyesight. By combining these nutritious ingredients, this meal delivers both comfort and health benefits in one delicious bowl.
Customizing Your Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your dietary needs and preferences:
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even a spoonful of curry paste for more heat and depth of flavor.
- Switch up the protein: If you don’t have chicken on hand, shrimp, beef, or even salmon work well in this recipe.
- Use different grains: If you prefer, you can swap jasmine rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you love.
Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
To get the most flavor and the perfect texture in your dish, keep these tips in mind:
- Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess. While light coconut milk works, full-fat coconut milk gives the rice a richer, silkier texture.
- Sear the chicken first. Browning the chicken before cooking the rice enhances the overall flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Don’t overcook the rice. Be sure to simmer it gently and keep the lid on to prevent excess moisture loss.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the rice absorbs all the delicious coconut sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience by pairing it with:
- A side of fresh mango slices or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- A drizzle of spicy sriracha or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for those who love heat.
- A refreshing cucumber salad with lime dressing to balance out the richness of the dish.
- A warm bowl of miso soup as a comforting starter.
Storing and Reheating
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of coconut milk or chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it up on the stove over medium-low heat.
If you want to freeze this dish, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
The Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy coconut base, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this dish brings together a beautiful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even entertaining guests with a flavorful homemade dish.
Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to suit your taste, this coconut chicken rice bowl is bound to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!