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Close-up of a delicious Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy coconut sauce.
Lady Maria

Perfect Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl

This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The secret lies in using full-fat coconut milk, tender chicken thighs, and fragrant jasmine rice, all complemented by aromatic ginger, garlic, and chilies.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped optional
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce optional
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 3 cups water
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped optional
  • Toasted sesame seeds optional
  • Lime wedges optional
  • Shredded carrots optional
  • Chopped green onions optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Rice cooker or saucepan with lid
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • grater
  • Mixing bowls
  • spoon
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or a saucepan. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red chili (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  5. Create the Coconut Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), lime juice, brown sugar, turmeric powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  8. Assemble the Bowls: Spoon the cooked jasmine rice into bowls. Top with the coconut chicken and sauce.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the richest flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts and stay more tender. A cornstarch slurry prevents the coconut milk from separating. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili to your spice preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.