Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: Zesty Island Flavor

Coconut chicken rice bowls revolutionize ordinary meals into culinary adventures with their vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

This delightful dish marries tender proteins with aromatic grains, creating a harmonious balance of comfort and excitement.

Creamy coconut infuses every bite with a luxurious tropical essence that elevates the entire dining experience.

Ingredients carefully selected and skillfully combined promise a remarkable journey for your taste buds.

Unexpected spices and fresh herbs dance together, generating a symphony of deliciousness that feels both familiar and exotic.

Home cooks can easily master this versatile recipe that adapts to personal preferences and ingredient availability.

Soft, fluffy rice serves as the perfect canvas for layers of mouthwatering goodness.

Saving and Reheating Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and rice separate to maintain texture.
• Cooling: Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Shelf Life: Refrigerated coconut chicken rice bowl stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored in the fridge.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Microwave Option: Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery chicken texture.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Your Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Pair with Tropical Cocktail: Blend a refreshing piña colada with fresh pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream to complement the coconut flavors in the dish.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy notes that will cut through the creamy coconut sauce and enhance the chicken's herbs.
• Serve with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with mango chunks, red onion, and a lime vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the rich, creamy rice bowl.
• Finish with Coconut Sorbet: End the meal with a cool, light coconut sorbet that echoes the coconut theme and provides a clean, refreshing palate cleanser after the hearty main course.

Variations to Try on the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Spicy Caribbean Kick: Amp up the heat by adding scotch bonnet peppers or cayenne powder to the chicken seasoning. Boost the flavors with a splash of rum and fresh lime juice for a tropical vibe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace dried oregano with fresh thyme and rosemary. Swap coconut milk for Greek yogurt and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the dish.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative. Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach to create a nutritious vegetarian rice bowl.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Creation: Incorporate red curry paste into the sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts and Thai basil. Serve with jasmine rice and a side of quick-pickled cucumber for authentic Southeast Asian flair.

Why You’ll Crave the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: This recipe blends smoky paprika, aromatic herbs, and creamy coconut milk to create a taste explosion that dances across your palate with every bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Creamy Comfort in a Bowl: The rich coconut milk sauce coats tender chicken pieces, creating a silky, luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet remains light and refreshing.
• Nutritious One-Pan Magic: Combines lean protein, fragrant spices, and coconut's healthy fats into a single skillet meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing nutrition and taste.

What Goes into the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and absorbs the rich coconut sauce, best when fresh and at room temperature before cooking.
• Kosher Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried Oregano: Seasoning blend that enhances chicken's natural flavor with smoky and herbal notes.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic aromatic trio that builds a deep, complex flavor base with warm and slightly spicy undertones.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory depth to the cooking liquid.
• Tomato Paste: Adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates a luxurious, slightly sweet sauce with tropical character.

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, soft rice that serves as a perfect base for the coconut chicken.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous topping that adds freshness and color to the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for preventing sticking and facilitating even cooking.

How to Prepare Your Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Dice chicken breast into bite-sized pieces

• Kosher salt
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano

Gently massage seasonings into chicken

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat large skillet over high heat

Spray skillet with cooking oil

Spread chicken in single layer

Cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium

Spray additional oil

• Minced onion
• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger

Stir and cook for 1 minute

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth into skillet

Simmer for 1 minute

• Tomato paste
• Coconut milk
• Kosher salt

Cook until sauce thickens slightly

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return browned chicken to skillet

Include any accumulated juices

Cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes

Ensure chicken is fully cooked

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spoon coconut chicken over jasmine rice

Sprinkle fresh cilantro

Optional: Drizzle extra coconut milk

Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical feast

Pro Tips for a Great Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Sear Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Brown the chicken over high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious golden crust that adds depth to the entire dish.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust smoked paprika and herbs to match your taste preference, ensuring each bite has just the right amount of seasoning.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce slowly, stirring occasionally, to help it thicken naturally and develop rich, complex flavors.
• Ginger and Garlic Trick: Grate fresh ginger and mince garlic finely to distribute their aromatic flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
• Rice Serving Tip: Use warm jasmine rice as a base to absorb the creamy coconut sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut chicken rice bowl brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with creamy coconut sauce and tender grilled chicken. Fragrant jasmine rice and fresh cilantro provide perfect balance, making this dish a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) diced chicken breast

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or dried herbs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.5 onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) canned light coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

Serving Components:

• Fresh cilantro
• 3 cups (525 grams) cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice
• Extra coconut milk (optional for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat diced chicken breast with a blend of kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
2. Heat a large skillet to high temperature and lightly coat with cooking spray. Arrange chicken in a single layer, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust for 3-5 minutes without stirring.
3. Transfer the seared chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its crispy exterior.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and spray with additional oil. Introduce minced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom to enhance the sauce’s depth.
6. Incorporate tomato paste and coconut milk, seasoning with a touch of kosher salt. Allow the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Reintroduce the browned chicken to the skillet, including any collected juices. Gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and absorbs the surrounding flavors.
8. Plate the coconut-infused chicken atop fluffy jasmine rice, creating a vibrant and appetizing base.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and optionally drizzle additional coconut milk for an extra layer of luxurious creaminess.

Notes

• Quickly brown chicken at high heat to lock in rich, smoky flavors and create delicious caramelization.
• Gently simmer sauce with coconut milk and tomato paste to develop a creamy, complex texture that coats each chicken piece perfectly.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic to elevate the aromatic profile and add depth to the entire dish.
• Select jasmine rice for its delicate fragrance and soft, fluffy texture that complements the saucy chicken.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro to introduce a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the coconut sauce.
• Achieve restaurant-quality results by deglazing the pan and scraping up those flavorful browned bits for maximum taste intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg