Oh, hi there, foodie friend! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you today—Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl! Picture this: tender, juicy chicken, bathing in a creamy coconut sauce with a hint of spice, all over a fluffy bed of rice. It’s like a little taste of tropical paradise right in your own kitchen! 🌴🥥
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always reminds me of cozy nights spent with friends, gathering around the dinner table and sharing stories over a bowl of deliciousness. There’s just something about the warmth of this dish that brings everyone together. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Whether I’m whipping it up on a busy weekday or serving it to impress on a weekend dinner, it’s always a hit. Let’s dive into it, shall we?
What’s in Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl?
The ingredients for this delightful dish are simple yet full of flavor! Here’s the breakdown:
Chicken Breast: I use 1 pound of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. It cooks quickly and soaks up the coconut sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil helps to sauté the onion and cook the chicken until golden brown. I love the flavor it adds!
Onion: One medium onion, diced, is essential for that base flavor. It adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic & Ginger: You’ll need 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Together, they create a fragrant aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly.
Coconut Milk: A 14 oz can of coconut milk brings that rich creaminess to the sauce. It’s the star of the show!
Red Curry Paste: For a bit of kick, I use 2 tablespoons of red curry paste. It adds amazing layers of flavor—definitely not to be skipped!
Soy Sauce: A tablespoon adds saltiness and umami goodness.
Lime Juice: Just a tablespoon gives the dish a fresh zing that brightens everything up.
Brown Sugar: A tablespoon of brown sugar balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Salt and Pepper: Taste and adjust as you go along!
Rice: I personally prefer jasmine or basmati rice, 1 cup. So fluffy and aromatic!
Water: You’ll need 2 cups of water to cook the rice to perfection.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro makes the perfect garnish—such a fresh finish!
Is Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Good for You?
You might be wondering if this dish is a healthy choice, and I’m glad you asked! Here’s the scoop:
Chicken Breast: A lean protein that’s great for building muscle and keeping you full.
Coconut Milk: While it’s rich and creamy, use it in moderation because it does contain saturated fat. But hey, it’s the healthy kind of fat, and I’m all about balance!
Brown Sugar: Just a touch keeps it sweet without going overboard. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider swapping it out for a sugar alternative.
Rice: The jasmine or basmati adds carbs for energy, but if you’re looking to cut down on carbs, you could substitute cauliflower rice.
All in all, this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with nutrients, loads of flavor, and is perfect for a fulfilling meal. Moderation is key, and this dish is all about enjoying the fantastic flavors!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons red curry paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
This recipe serves 4, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep to enjoy throughout the week!
How to Make Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl?
1. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional minute until they become fragrant.
4. Toss in the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through (around 5-7 minutes).
5. Pour in the coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the coconut chicken over a bed of rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Grab a fork and dig in!
Serve Up the Flavor!
I love serving this dish with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh cucumber and avocado salad for some added crunch. If you want to spice things up, feel free to adjust the amount of red curry paste to match your heat preference. You could even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick!
Whether it’s a comfy weeknight dinner or a cozy get-together, I promise this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking, and here’s to many flavorful meals ahead!
