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Coconut Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 70 reviews

This Coconut Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts cooked to perfection and served atop fragrant, creamy coconut rice made with full-fat coconut milk and aromatic ginger and garlic. Garnished with fresh herbs, toasted coconut, and lime wedges, this dish offers a delightful balance of rich, tropical flavors and fresh brightness, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

For the Coconut Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 ½ cups coconut milk (canned, full-fat for richness)
  • 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth (for added flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded coconut, toasted

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Drizzle the fresh lime juice over the chicken to add brightness and marinate the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics for the Rice: In the same skillet, add the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger (if using), cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Cook the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir well so that each grain is coated with the oil and aromatic mixture. Pour in the coconut milk and water or chicken broth, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer and Steam the Rice: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam and fluff fully.
  6. Plate the Dish: Fluff the coconut rice gently with a fork and divide it onto four plates. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the rice.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, a handful of toasted shredded coconut, and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and rich flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier dark meat, as they work wonderfully with the bold spices and coconut flavors.
  • Full-fat canned coconut milk ensures a creamy, rich texture in the rice; avoid using light coconut milk for best results.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or sautéed vegetables.
  • To toast shredded coconut, simply place it in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden brown, then cool before sprinkling.
  • Use chicken broth instead of water in the rice for an additional layer of flavor.
  • The fresh ginger is optional but highly recommended for depth and warmth in the rice.
  • Make sure to cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly.

Keywords: coconut chicken, coconut rice, chicken and rice recipe, coconut milk rice, skillet chicken, easy stovetop recipes, lime chicken, tropical chicken dish

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/coconut-chicken-and-rice-recipe/