Creamy Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl (Print)
Tender chicken in rich coconut sauce served over fragrant rice with crisp vegetables
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-size pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
03 - 1 tsp grated ginger
04 - 1 tsp garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
06 - 1 tbsp fish sauce
07 - 2 tbsp lime juice
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp curry powder
10 - Salt & pepper, to taste
→ Rice
11 - 1 1/4 cups jasmine or basmati rice
12 - 2 cups water
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Vegetables & Garnish
14 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
15 - 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
16 - 2 spring onions, sliced
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp toasted coconut flakes
# How to Make:
01 - Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - Rinse rice until water runs clear. Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
03 - Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.
04 - Stir in bell pepper and snap peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but retain crunch.
05 - Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and curry powder. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Divide steamed rice between bowls. Top generously with creamy coconut chicken and vegetables. Garnish with spring onions, cilantro, and toasted coconut flakes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coconut sauce creates this incredible velvety texture that coats every single grain of rice
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something from a restaurant
02 -
- The sauce will continue thickening as it cools, so dont panic if it looks a bit thin in the pan
- Fish sauce smells strong in the bottle but disappears into the background, just leaving depth behind
03 -
- Pat your chicken really dry before searing, otherwise it will steam instead of brown
- Let the coconut milk come to room temperature before adding it to prevent curdling