Cozy, fragrant, and simple, this Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice brings creamy coconut and bright basil together for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for busy evenings and makes great leftovers for lunch. For a comforting casserole twist, try the angel chicken rice casserole as another family-friendly option.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
- Rich coconut flavor balanced by fresh basil for a bright, comforting dish.
- One-pot cooking makes cleanup fast and meal prep effortless.
- Family-friendly and easy to scale for more servings.
- Reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for packed lunches.
- If you enjoy bold Indian-inspired spices, check out this chicken bhuna for a different spiced chicken idea.
Ingredients Needed
- Protein
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- Rice / Grains
- 1 cup basmati rice
- Veggies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce
- 1 can coconut milk (about 13.5 oz)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Spices & Oil
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh herbs / Toppings
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions 5
1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
2. Season and brown the chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and curry powder. Add chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.
3. Add coconut milk and broth
Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in rice and basil
Stir in basmati rice and fresh basil. Cover and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer until tender
Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
- Serve with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for extra greens.
- Top with chopped peanuts or toasted coconut for crunch.
- Offer lime wedges on the side for a bright squeeze of citrus.
- Pair with a chilled cucumber salad or naan for a complete meal.
- Serve over a bed of baby spinach for extra veggies.
Tips for Success Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
- Use bone-in thighs for more flavor, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat; adjust cooking time slightly.
- Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy grains.
- Keep heat low after adding rice to avoid sticking and burning on the bottom.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken briefly; try a quick option like this chicken marinade with honey and soy sauce before browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Swap chicken for shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
- Make it spicier by adding 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a chopped fresh chili.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas when you stir in the rice for more color and nutrition.
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