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Easy Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Easy Coconut Chicken Bowl

This Easy Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is one of those cozy dinners that feels special without asking much from you. The creamy coconut sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice come together in a simple bowl that is comforting, colorful, and easy to love.
This bowl has the kind of balance I always look for in a weeknight meal, creamy, savory, fresh, and satisfying. It uses familiar ingredients, comes together in one main pan, and leaves you with a meal that tastes like more effort than it really takes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Pot for rice

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups cooked rice white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work well
  • 1 can coconut milk full-fat for a richer sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp ginger freshly grated or minced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tsp turmeric or curry powder for gentle warmth and color
  • 1 Tbsp lime juice for brightness
  • 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 2 Tbsp sliced green onions for topping
  • 2 cups optional vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, spinach, or carrots

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your rice first so it is ready when the chicken is done. Fluffy rice makes the perfect base for soaking up the coconut sauce.
  • Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and turmeric or curry powder. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
  • Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, then stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens a little and the chicken is fully cooked.
  • If you are using vegetables, stir them in during the last few minutes so they stay tender-crisp. Finish with lime juice for a fresh lift.
  • Spoon the rice into bowls, top with the coconut chicken mixture, then finish with cilantro and green onions.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. If possible, keep the rice and chicken mixture separate for the best texture.