Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice Recipe

Introduction

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy coconut sauce infused with warm spices and fresh basil. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
5. Step 5: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition.
• Use lime zest along with lime juice for a brighter citrus flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken broth or make my own?

Both options work well. Store-bought chicken broth is convenient, but homemade broth will add extra depth to the sauce.

Is fresh basil essential for this recipe?

Fresh basil provides a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish, but if unavailable, you can substitute with fresh cilantro or a small amount of dried basil, added toward the end of cooking.

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Fresh basil and lime juice add a bright finish, served over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting and exotic meal.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

To Serve

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking your rice according to package instructions and set aside to keep warm.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor.
5. Combine Chicken & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
6. Finish the Dish: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
7. Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top it with the spiced coconut basil chicken and sauce. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• You can adjust the chili powder amount to suit your heat preference.
• Use jasmine rice for a fragrant and authentic touch, or brown rice for a healthier option.
• Leftover chicken and sauce keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Fresh basil is crucial for the authentic flavor; if unavailable, substitute with fresh cilantro or omit.
• For extra zest, add lime wedges when serving.

Keywords: Spiced Chicken, Coconut Milk, Basil Chicken, Easy Dinner, Coconut Basil Chicken, Chicken with Rice, One Pan Chicken