When you think of a dish that dances on your taste buds and fills the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice immediately comes to mind. Imagine succulent chicken bathed in a coconut sauce, infused with aromatic basil, and paired perfectly with fluffy rice. Balsamic Chicken with Orzo The flavors meld together so harmoniously that even your taste buds might start a dance party.
This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that transports you to tropical shores, even if you’re just sitting in your kitchen wearing your favorite pajamas. I remember the first time I made this recipe for friends. Their delighted faces and the chorus of “Mmm!” made me feel like a culinary rock star. It’s perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests at a special gathering, making every occasion feel festive and flavorful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is easy to prepare and packed with flavor
- Each bite bursts with vibrant colors and aromas, making it visually appealing on any table
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it caters to all occasions effortlessly
I once served this dish at a family gathering, and the room erupted in compliments!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip.
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Fresh Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves; they will add a fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.
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Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture that hugs the chicken beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable; it adds depth and flavor that powdered versions can’t match.
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Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped, will provide sweetness as it caramelizes during cooking.
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Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best for a fluffy side that soaks up the sauce.
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Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices add warmth and complexity; don’t skip them!
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance flavors without overwhelming the dish’s freshness.
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Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens everything up; trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Time: Get Ready! : Start by washing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents stickiness during cooking.
Sauté Aromatics: Bring on the Flavor! : Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it!
Add Garlic & Spices: Amp Up That Aroma! : Toss in minced garlic along with cumin and paprika. Stir for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells incredible—seriously, this is when things get exciting.
Add Chicken: Time to Cook! : Place your chicken breasts into the skillet and sear them on both sides until golden brown—approximately 5 minutes per side should be sufficient.
Pour in Coconut Milk: Creamy Goodness Awaits! : Once chicken is golden, pour in coconut milk and soy sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Add Basil & Lime Juice: The Final Touch! : Right before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves and lime juice. Let them infuse their vibrant flavor into the dish for about 2-3 minutes.
Serve on Rice: The Perfect Pairing! : Fluff your cooked rice with a fork and serve it alongside or under the spiced coconut basil chicken. Enjoy every bite!
Now that you’ve created this mouthwatering Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice, you’ll want to take photos before indulging! Your friends will be amazed by your culinary skills—and maybe even ask for seconds! Honey Glazed Chicken with Olives.
You Must Know
- This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice recipe guarantees flavorful, juicy chicken that pairs perfectly with aromatic rice
- You can adjust the spice level based on your taste preferences
- The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist this mouthwatering dish
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown, then prepare your rice while it simmers in coconut milk.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the basil for cilantro or mint if you prefer. Add vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked before serving; use a meat thermometer for accuracy
- Letting chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness
- Pairing with lime wedges enhances flavors and adds freshness to every bite
The first time I made Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! It was a hit at our potluck, and I still get requests for the recipe! Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
You can use almond milk or chicken broth as alternatives to coconut milk.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it fully before marinating and cooking.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies during cooking for extra heat.
Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a burst of tropical flavors with Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken paired with fluffy rice. This dish features succulent chicken simmered in a rich coconut sauce, infused with fresh basil and aromatic spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, each bite is a harmonious dance of flavors that will transport you to sun-kissed shores.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sear chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side).
- Pour in coconut milk and soy sauce; simmer gently for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in fresh basil and lime juice; let infuse for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Fluff cooked rice and serve alongside the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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