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An overhead view of a creamy coconut chicken rice bowl, ready to be served. The bowl is garnished with fresh herbs and a lime wedge.
FL Recipes

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl (The Ultimate Weeknight Recipe)

This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate weeknight meal! Tender chicken in a creamy, savory coconut sauce served over fluffy coconut rice. A quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that's ready in under 40 minutes and packed with tropical flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Coconut Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 13.5 oz, divided
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water cold
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Coconut Rice & Garnish
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice rinsed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 1 Medium Saucepan with Lid

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, 1 cup of the divided coconut milk, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. While rice cooks, pat the chicken cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the remaining coconut milk from the can, soy sauce, and lime juice. Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes). Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for one more minute.
  5. Divide the fluffy coconut rice among four bowls. Top with the creamy coconut chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 42gFat: 25gFiber: 3g

Notes

Full-Fat Coconut Milk is Key: For the creamiest sauce, be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk, not the refrigerated carton type.
Meal Prep: Store the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days for an easy lunch or dinner.
Keyword coconut chicken,easy dinner,rice bowl

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