Description
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a tropical-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce, served over jasmine rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or dried herbs
- ½ onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1¼ cups canned light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Additional coconut milk (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt, paprika, and dried herbs.
- Preheat a large skillet over high heat and spray with cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and spray skillet with more cooking oil. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional drizzle of coconut milk.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Add red curry paste for a Thai-inspired flavor.
- To make vegetarian, substitute tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Try quinoa or brown rice as alternative grains.
- Scallions or parsley can replace cilantro for garnish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of coconut milk or water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
