Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken & Rice Recipe
A flavorful Thai-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in rich coconut milk with aromatic garlic, ginger, fresh basil, and a hint of chili flakes, served over steamed white rice. This easy and satisfying recipe balances creamy and spicy flavors with a zesty touch of lime for a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 450g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Aromatics
- 400ml full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
Serving
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Additional basil and chili flakes for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the chili flakes to release their heat.
- Simmer the sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and add soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Finish with fresh flavors: Stir in chopped fresh basil and lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lime juice as needed to balance richness and acidity.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy spiced coconut basil chicken over steamed white rice. Garnish with extra basil leaves and chili flakes if desired. Optionally, swirl in a tablespoon of coconut cream for added richness before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of coconut cream at the end of cooking.
- Don’t skip the lime juice—it is essential to balance the richness of the coconut milk and add brightness.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili flakes to suit your taste.
Keywords: easy dinner, coconut chicken, quick rice dish, healthy meal prep, spicy chicken recipe
