If you’re looking for a comforting yet light and nourishing dinner, this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect answer. Creamy coconut milk meets tender, juicy chicken with aromatic ginger, garlic, and herbs—all served over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice. This dish brings together bold Asian-inspired flavors in a way that’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely satisfying.
It’s a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that feels indulgent but is made from simple, whole ingredients. Great for meal prepping, family dinners, or just a cozy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—great for busy nights.
- Full of flavor: Ginger, garlic, and coconut create a rich, aromatic sauce.
- Nutrient-rich: High in protein, naturally gluten-free, and dairy-free.
- Versatile: Perfect for summer or winter, and easy to customize.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or your favorite dried herb blend)
For the Coconut Sauce:
- ½ onion, finely minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1 tbsp for extra zing)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1¼ cups canned light coconut milk
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp kosher salt
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra coconut milk (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and oregano until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate briefly while your pan heats up.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over high heat and lightly spray with oil. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–5 minutes, flipping as needed, until golden-brown but not overcooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Spray the skillet with more oil if needed, then add the minced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the tomato paste and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Season with ½ tsp of kosher salt and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the seared chicken (and any juices) to the pan and simmer in the sauce for another 3–4 minutes on medium heat. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the chicken well.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl
Spoon warm jasmine rice into serving bowls, then top with the creamy coconut chicken. Drizzle with extra coconut milk for a silky finish and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to make your bowl even more nutritious or colorful? Try these:
- Veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch.
- Crunch: Sprinkle toasted cashews or peanuts on top.
- Spice: A dash of chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha goes a long way.
- Citrus: A squeeze of lime brightens everything.
Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
- Use light coconut milk for a balanced flavor without too much richness. Full-fat coconut milk will create a thicker, richer sauce if preferred.
- Cook rice ahead of time to save time—day-old rice reheats beautifully.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add a pop of brightness and authenticity.
- Customize the protein: Try shrimp or tofu for an alternate take.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Meal Prep Tip: Store rice and chicken separately to maintain texture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with a cucumber mint salad or quick pickled veggies.
- Soup Starter: Pair with a miso soup or light broth-based starter.
- Wrap It Up: Wrap leftovers in a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a delicious next-day lunch.
Inspired by Asian Comfort Food
Though this dish has roots in Asian cuisine—particularly Thai and Southeast Asian flavors—it also leans into the accessibility of American weeknight cooking. The coconut milk and ginger add authenticity, while the simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients make it approachable for any home cook.
This is the kind of dish my mother used to make with her own twist, adding whatever greens or spices were on hand. It’s endlessly flexible, rich without being heavy, and packed with the kinds of flavors that make you come back for seconds.
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken breast diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or your favorite dried herb blend
For the Coconut Sauce:
- ½ onion finely minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1 tbsp for extra zing
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1¼ cups canned light coconut milk
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp kosher salt
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Extra coconut milk optional, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and oregano until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate briefly while your pan heats up.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and lightly spray with oil. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–5 minutes, flipping as needed, until golden-brown but not overcooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Spray the skillet with more oil if needed, then add the minced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the tomato paste and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Season with ½ tsp of kosher salt and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Return the seared chicken (and any juices) to the pan and simmer in the sauce for another 3–4 minutes on medium heat. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the chicken well.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl
- Spoon warm jasmine rice into serving bowls, then top with the creamy coconut chicken. Drizzle with extra coconut milk for a silky finish and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro.
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