Go Back
+ servings
Top-down view of a Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl showing pan-seared chicken coated in creamy white sauce, sprinkled with cilantro and sliced red chilies.
FL Recipes

The Ultimate Creamy Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

This incredible Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl features golden-brown pan-seared chicken smothered in a thick, creamy coconut sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with fresh cilantro, chili peppers, and toasted coconut flakes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired American
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup (200g) jasmine rice Rinsed well
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) water For cooking rice
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast Diced into even cubes
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt Plus extra for the rice
  • 0.5 tsp (2g) white pepper Keeps the sauce opaque white
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) neutral oil For searing chicken
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) coconut oil For sautéing aromatics
  • 2 cloves garlic Finely minced
  • 1 tsp (5g) fresh ginger Finely grated
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk Shaken well
  • 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch Mixed with 1 tbsp (15ml) cold water
  • 2 tbsp (10g) fresh cilantro Finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp (10g) toasted coconut flakes Unsweetened and golden
  • 1 small red chili pepper Thinly sliced
  • 1 medium fresh lime Cut into wedges

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan Essential for searing the chicken to a golden-brown finish.
  • 1 Fine-mesh strainer Used to rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear.

Method
 

Making the Rice Bowl
  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, bring the rice, water, and a pinch of salt to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Pat the diced chicken breast dry and season with salt and white pepper. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, flip and cook 2-3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Wipe the skillet clean to remove any dark fond. Lower heat to medium-low, add coconut oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering coconut milk. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and opaque white.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, gently folding it into the thick coconut sauce until generously coated. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Spoon fluffy white rice into a rustic ceramic bowl. Top with the creamy coconut chicken. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro, toasted golden coconut flakes, and sliced red chili peppers. Serve with a fresh lime wedge on the edge of the bowl.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalProtein: 32gFat: 38gFiber: 2g

Notes

To keep the sauce pristine and white, ensure you use white pepper instead of black pepper, and gently wipe any burnt bits from the skillet before pouring in the coconut milk.
Store leftover chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keyword Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl,Creamy Coconut Chicken,Easy Rice Bowl

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe