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+ servings

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Chicken, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep, Rice
Cuisine Asian
Keyword Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Servings 4
This quick coconut chicken rice bowl is rich, gingery, and naturally dairy-free. A delicious Asian-inspired dinner in 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 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
  • 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.