Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl: A Tropical Twist in 20 Minutes Recipe
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl offers a delightful tropical twist on a classic chicken and rice dish. Featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in creamy coconut milk with garlic, ginger, and a splash of lime, it’s served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy and flavorful meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Tropical
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 can Coconut milk (light coconut milk for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free alternative)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (or use garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated (ground ginger can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon Lime juice (fresh is best)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Base & Garnish
- 2 cups Cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (or coconut oil, olive oil can also be used)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro or green onions (parsley as alternative)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breasts to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Prepare Rice: While the chicken simmers, cook your rice according to the package instructions.
- Serve: Spoon the coconut chicken mixture over the cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for different protein options.
- Use light coconut milk for a lower-calorie dish without sacrificing creaminess.
- Tamari sauce is a great gluten-free alternative to regular soy sauce.
- If fresh garlic or ginger aren’t available, garlic powder and ground ginger work well as substitutes.
- For added zest, more lime juice can be added according to taste.
- Parsley can be used instead of cilantro or green onions if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine, basmati, or brown rice, depending on your flavor preference.
Keywords: Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl, Tropical Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner, Coconut Milk Chicken, One Pan Chicken Rice
