Tropical Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: A Blissful Delight

Crafting a delightful coconut chicken rice bowl can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Aromatic spices dance through tender chicken pieces, creating layers of rich flavor.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of creamy coconut and perfectly seasoned protein.

Warm rice serves as a comforting base for this vibrant dish.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making preparation a breeze for home cooks.

Exotic yet approachable, this recipe invites you to explore international taste profiles without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this satisfying meal.

Chicken Rice Bowl That’s Balanced and Quick

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious coconut chicken rice bowl in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Blend of smoked paprika, ginger, and coconut milk creates a mouthwatering combination that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Customizable Comfort Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for tofu, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that allows you to prepare the entire meal in a single pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day.

Chicken Rice Bowl (Coconut) Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main component of the dish, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, use low-sodium for better flavor control.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky depth to the chicken.
• Dried Oregano: Brings an herbal note to the seasoning.
• Minced Onion: Adds sweet and savory base to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic flavor.
• Grated Ginger: Offers a spicy and fresh undertone.

• Coconut Oil: Creates a rich cooking base with subtle coconut flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Provides creamy texture and tropical essence, full-fat version recommended.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant base for the bowl, pairs perfectly with coconut chicken.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh finish to the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Provides optional tangy citrus accent.

Chicken Rice Bowl Assembly Steps

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Seasoning

Mix diced chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano in a mixing bowl.

Ensure each chicken piece gets an even coating of spices by thoroughly stirring the ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully add seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate once done.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, sauté onions until they become soft and translucent.

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Cook for an additional minute to release their fragrant oils.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Incorporate tomato paste and stir for one minute.

• Coconut milk
• Chicken broth

Stir ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Merge Chicken with Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

Coat chicken thoroughly with sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 6: Create Rice Bowls

Scoop jasmine rice into serving bowls.

Ladle coconut chicken mixture generously over rice.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty squeeze.

Bowl Ideas for Coconut Chicken Rice Meals

• Add smoked paprika and dried oregano to create a deep, layered taste profile that elevates the chicken's natural savoriness.
• Cook chicken over medium-high heat and remove promptly to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking, keeping meat tender and juicy.
• Allow the sauce to simmer gently, which helps develop complex flavors and creates a thicker, more luxurious coating for the chicken.
• Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning for those who enjoy a spicier dish.
• Use jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture that complements the creamy coconut sauce beautifully.

Chicken Rice Bowl Reheat Tips

• Store leftover coconut chicken rice bowl in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for up to 2 months. Separate rice to prevent soggy texture.
• Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Bowl Matches for Coconut Chicken Rice

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the coconut and chicken's delicate flavors, enhancing the dish's tropical notes.
• Boost with Citrus-Infused Mocktail: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink using fresh lime juice, sparkling water, mint leaves, and a touch of honey to mirror the recipe's bright, zesty undertones and provide a cooling contrast.
• Match with Cucumber Mint Salad: Prepare a light side salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of olive oil to add crisp, herbaceous elements that balance the creamy coconut sauce.
• Complement with Coconut Rice Pudding: Serve a small portion of coconut rice pudding as a dessert, using similar ingredients to create a seamless flavor continuation and provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Serving Styles

• Spicy Kickback Coconut Chicken: Replace smoked paprika with cayenne pepper and add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Perfect for those who love a fiery meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap dried oregano for fresh thyme and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Dairy-Free Lean Bowl: Use almond milk instead of coconut milk for those with coconut allergies. Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option and use vegetable broth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute jasmine rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version. Reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the rich flavor profile of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Why use jasmine rice for this recipe?

Jasmine rice offers a delicate, fragrant flavor that perfectly complements the coconut chicken. Its soft, slightly sticky texture absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, creating a harmonious dish.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through and tender.

• What makes the sauce creamy and flavorful?

The combination of coconut milk, chicken broth, and tomato paste creates a rich, complex sauce. The tomato paste adds depth, while coconut milk provides a smooth, luxurious texture that coats the chicken perfectly.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a mild, balanced flavor profile. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness according to your taste preference.

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut chicken rice bowl brings tropical flavors dancing across your plate with Caribbean-inspired comfort. Creamy coconut milk, tender chicken, and fragrant jasmine rice combine for a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

Aromatics and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) canned light coconut milk
• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinate diced chicken with a blend of kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning.
2. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté minced onions until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing the ingredients to release their fragrant essence for about one minute.
4. Incorporate tomato paste into the aromatic mixture, stirring and cooking for an additional minute to develop deeper flavors. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Gently reintroduce the cooked chicken into the simmering sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
6. Create a bed of fluffy jasmine rice in serving bowls, then carefully ladle the coconut chicken mixture over the rice.
7. Enhance the dish by scattering fresh cilantro on top and serving with lime wedges, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over their meal for an added burst of brightness.

Notes

• Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat that absorbs spices better than chicken breasts.
• Toast dried spices like paprika and oregano briefly in the skillet before adding chicken to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavor profiles.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for richer, creamier sauce that provides a luxurious texture and more authentic tropical taste compared to light versions.
• Swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s overall flavor and nutritional balance while reducing calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg