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Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
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This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce infused with warming spices and fresh basil. Ready in under 40 minutes, it offers a delicious balance of creaminess, herbal brightness, and gentle heat – perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat recommended for creamier texture)

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, minced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime

Spices

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain or jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 1 ¼ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, mince garlic and ginger, and slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffy results.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes, toasting the spices briefly to release their flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, which helps lock in juices.
  4. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour in coconut milk and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb spices and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Prepare the Rice: While the chicken simmers, cook the rinsed rice according to package instructions or preferred method until fluffy.
  6. Stir in Fresh Basil and Lime: Once chicken is cooked and sauce thickened, stir in fresh basil leaves and squeeze lime juice over the dish to brighten the flavors just before serving.
  7. Plate and Enjoy! Serve the spiced coconut basil chicken over steamed rice, garnished if desired with extra basil, toasted coconut flakes, or sliced red chili.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for more intense flavor than pre-ground options.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Add basil at the end to preserve its fresh, bright flavor and prevent bitterness.
  • Let cooked rice rest covered off heat to keep it fluffy and separate.
  • Adjust chili flakes gradually to control the heat level to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced chicken, coconut chicken, basil chicken, coconut milk recipe, easy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken, coconut basil sauce, one pot meal, quick dinner, aromatic chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/spiced-coconut-basil-chicken-with-rice/