Sunny Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Tropical Joy

Tropical aromas dance through the kitchen with this mouthwatering coconut chicken rice bowl recipe that promises a delightful culinary escape.

Tender chicken pieces nestle atop fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to sun-drenched coastal landscapes.

Each bite bursts with creamy coconut notes and perfectly seasoned protein.

Vibrant vegetables add color and crunch to this satisfying meal.

The combination of textures and rich ingredients makes this bowl more than just dinner—it’s a delicious adventure.

Weeknight meals never looked this exciting or tasted this amazing.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredible dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for a Great Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh and trimmed cuts for the best texture and juiciness.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of flavor, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Powerful trio that builds a robust flavor foundation, select fresh and firm ingredients for maximum zest.
• Dried Oregano, Smoked Paprika: Aromatic spices that add warmth and complexity, choose high-quality, freshly ground spices for intense flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Provides balanced seasoning, helps to draw out and enhance natural chicken flavors.

• Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with tropical undertones, select full-fat version for richer consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight tanginess, concentrates flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness and herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant base that complements the coconut chicken, rinse before cooking for fluffy texture.
• Cooking Oil: Ensures smooth cooking and prevents sticking, use neutral oils with high smoke point.

Equipment Checklist for Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Large skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating the creamy coconut sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for dicing chicken and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise cutting of chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Important for accurately measuring salt and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Grater: Useful for grating fresh ginger.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds light oil to the skillet.
• Serving spoon: Helps plate the coconut chicken over rice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Flavor Foundation

Gather your spices and start transforming plain chicken into a mouthwatering meal. Sprinkle kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried herbs across diced chicken for a rich, aromatic base.

• Golden Sear

Heat a skillet until it’s blazing hot and quickly brown chicken pieces. This step locks in delicious flavors and creates beautiful caramelized edges that make every bite exciting.

• Aromatic Symphony

Lower the skillet’s temperature and introduce minced onion, fresh garlic, and zesty ginger. These ingredients will dance together, releasing incredible fragrances that promise a delectable dish.

• Sauce Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pan, then blend in creamy coconut milk and a touch of tomato paste. Let everything simmer and meld, creating a velvety sauce that will coat each chicken morsel.

• Final Fusion

Return browned chicken to the simmering sauce, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors. Cook until chicken is perfectly tender and sauce reaches a luxurious consistency.

• Delicious Presentation

Nestle your coconut chicken over fluffy jasmine rice. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and add an optional drizzle of coconut milk for an extra creamy finish.

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Tips & Tricks

• Quick Kitchen Hacks
• Replace chicken breast with tofu, shrimp, or turkey for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to customize the sauce's intensity.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days, which helps develop deeper flavors and saves cooking time.
• Substitute jasmine rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice to create nutritionally diverse and gluten-free meal options.

Serving Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl with Style

• Tropical Paradise Plate: Serve the bowl on a wide, shallow plate with a vibrant green banana leaf or colorful ceramic backdrop to enhance the island-inspired aesthetic.
• Creamy Coconut Drizzle: Add extra richness by swirling additional coconut milk over the top, creating beautiful white ribbons against the golden chicken and white rice.
• Zesty Herb Garden: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a few red pepper flakes for a burst of color and tangy, spicy complexity that complements the creamy coconut sauce.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Scatter toasted coconut flakes or crushed macadamia nuts on top to provide a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Solutions for Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up extra portions during weekend meal prep to enjoy quick lunches throughout the week. Portion the chicken and sauce into individual containers for grab-and-go convenience.
• Refrigerator Shelf Life: Store the coconut chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the rice separate to maintain its texture and prevent soggy grains.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Carefully pack the cooled chicken sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when you're ready to reheat.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, bringing the dish back to its original delicious state.

Tropical Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks love this coconut chicken rice bowl for its harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors. Caribbean-style spices and creamy coconut milk create a satisfying meal you can enjoy with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, diced
• 3 cups (525 g) jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
• 1.25 cups (296 ml) canned light coconut milk
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano or dried herbs
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra coconut milk (optional for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat diced chicken breast with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring uniform coverage.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat skillet to high temperature, lightly coat with cooking spray. Arrange chicken in single layer, creating golden-brown crust for 3-5 minutes without disrupting placement.
3. Aromatic Base: Reduce skillet heat to medium, spray with oil. Sauté minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger, stirring constantly to release intense flavors without scorching.
4. Sauce Development: Pour chicken broth into skillet, deglazing pan to capture caramelized essence. Blend in tomato paste and coconut milk, seasoning with salt. Simmer until sauce thickens and develops rich, creamy consistency.
5. Final Cooking: Return seared chicken to skillet, incorporating accumulated juices. Gently simmer 3-4 minutes, ensuring complete chicken cooking and flavor absorption.
6. Plating Presentation: Arrange coconut-infused chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, creating visually appealing base. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and optional coconut milk drizzle for enhanced creaminess.

Notes

• Sear with Precision: Achieve a golden-brown crust by not moving chicken during initial cooking, which locks in flavor and creates a crispy exterior.
• Aromatics are Key: Carefully sauté onion, garlic, and ginger at medium heat to release deep, complex flavors without burning.
• Sauce Building Technique: Deglaze pan with broth to capture caramelized bits, creating a rich foundation for the coconut sauce.
• Gentle Finishing Touch: Simmer chicken in sauce briefly to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption without drying out the meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg