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coconut chicken rice bowl served with rice and cilantro

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl: Quick, Creamy, and Delicious

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish, Meal Prep
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

Quick and easy high-protein Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls are perfect for gluten-free, dairy-free meals — loaded with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs diced chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or dried herbs
  • Sauce ingredients:
  • 1/2 onion, minced
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or up to 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cup canned light coconut milk (from 1 can)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • For the bowls:
  • Fresh cilantro
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice or basmati
  • More coconut milk, optional for topping


Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, paprika and dried herbs.

2. Preheat a large skillet over high and spray with oil then brown the chicken in an even layer, 3-5 minutes.

3. Once browned, remove the chicken, reduce heat and spray with more oil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and cook 1 minute, then add the broth to deglaze the pan.

4. Simmer about 1 minute then add in the tomato paste, coconut milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer for a few minutes to thicken, add the chicken back along with any juices and cook on medium heat 3 to 4 minutes.

6. Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with cilantro and drizzle with more coconut milk, if desired.


Notes

Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option. For a vegetarian version, use tofu and vegetable broth, and add vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, or snap peas. Add red curry paste for a coconut curry twist. Not a fan of cilantro? Substitute with scallions. Try different grains like quinoa or brown rice for variation.