The Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a few simple spices, this dish is perfect for anyone on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a great choice for a high-energy meal.
Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a nutritious meal, this bowl can be ready in just 30 minutes. And if you’re in the mood for a different protein, you can easily swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp. For another delicious protein-packed dinner, try this Savory Beef Tenderloin Medallions Recipe. Let’s get into how you can make this dish in no time!
Why I Love These Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls
I love these Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls because they’re quick, flavorful, and packed with protein. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal that satisfies. The creamy coconut milk and tender chicken create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night.
It’s also super versatile—whether you’re meal prepping for the week or customizing it with extra veggies, this bowl adapts to your needs. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become one of my go-to recipes!
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients
To make this flavorful Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 1/2 lbs diced chicken breast – The main protein that brings all the flavor and heartiness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – To season the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For a bit of earthy, herby goodness.
- 1/2 onion, minced – A base of savory aromatics.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Packed with flavor and offers an anti-inflammatory boost.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – A touch of zest and warmth to balance the coconut flavor.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth – Helps bring the coconut sauce together.
- 1 1/4 cup canned light coconut milk – The creamy base that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds depth and a subtle tang to the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish) – A fresh, bright finishing touch.
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice – The perfect bed for your delicious chicken and sauce.
These ingredients come together to make a dish that’s not only healthy but also packed with flavor. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or swap ingredients based on your preference!
Instructions: Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how you can whip up this delicious Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl in just 30 minutes:
- Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your diced chicken breast with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss it around to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with all those tasty spices. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Prepare the Coconut Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant. - Make the Sauce
Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken up slightly. - Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the coconut sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, so the chicken absorbs all the delicious coconut goodness. - Assemble the Rice Bowls
Scoop about 3/4 cup of cooked jasmine or basmati rice into each bowl. Top with the coconut chicken mixture and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
And that’s it! Your Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to enjoy. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in just a few easy steps.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how you can whip up this delicious Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl in just 30 minutes:
- Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your diced chicken breast with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss it around to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with all those tasty spices. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Prepare the Coconut Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant. - Make the Sauce
Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken up slightly. - Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the coconut sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, so the chicken absorbs all the delicious coconut goodness. - Assemble the Rice Bowls
Scoop about 3/4 cup of cooked jasmine or basmati rice into each bowl. Top with the coconut chicken mixture and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
And that’s it! Your Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to enjoy. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in just a few easy steps.
What to Serve with Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls
While the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate it with a few tasty sides to balance the flavors and textures. Here are some great options to serve alongside:
- Sliced Cucumbers – Fresh, crunchy cucumbers add a light, refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.
- Bok Choy – Lightly sautéed bok choy is an excellent option that complements the coconut milk’s richness while adding a nice, crisp texture.
- Spicy Garlic Edamame – For a little kick, serve some spicy garlic edamame on the side. It’s a perfect balance of heat and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coconut chicken.
Feel free to get creative with your sides depending on what you’re in the mood for! These suggestions will add extra flavor and make your meal even more satisfying.
How to Meal Prep Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls
One of the best things about the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is how easy it is to meal prep. If you’re someone who likes to prepare your meals in advance, this recipe is a great option. Here’s how you can do it:
- Cook in Bulk
Double or triple the recipe to make enough for several days. You can cook the chicken and coconut sauce ahead of time, and store it in separate containers. Keep the rice in a different container to ensure it stays fresh. - Store Properly
Once everything is cooked, divide the chicken, sauce, and rice into individual portions. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Reheat with Ease
When you’re ready to eat, simply heat the chicken and coconut sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Meal prepping these bowls will save you time throughout the week while ensuring you have a nutritious, protein-packed meal ready to go!
Storage
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores beautifully!
- In the Fridge: Keep your leftover Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The chicken and coconut sauce stay flavorful, and the rice holds up well too.
- In the Freezer: You can also freeze the coconut chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop. The rice can be frozen as well, though it’s best to store it separately and reheat it fresh.
This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or saving leftovers for later—perfect for busy days when you need a quick and tasty meal!
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have in your pantry. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Protein Swap: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, you can easily swap it for tofu for a plant-based version or shrimp for a lighter seafood option. Both will soak up the creamy coconut sauce beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red curry paste to the coconut sauce for an extra layer of heat and flavor. This will turn your Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl into a more robust coconut curry dish.
- Grain Alternatives: Swap the jasmine or basmati rice for quinoa or brown rice if you’re looking for a different texture or want to boost the fiber content.
- Vegetarian Version: To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to make the dish heartier.
With these simple swaps, you can keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it!
Nutrition
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 429
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
The high protein content (40g per serving) makes it a great option for anyone looking to build muscle or stay energized throughout the day. It’s also a good balance of carbs and fats, giving you sustained energy without weighing you down. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
With this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl, you can enjoy a tasty meal that’s not only healthy but also full of flavor and nutrients!
Print
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
The Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a few simple spices, this dish is perfect for anyone on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. Packed with protein, it’s a great choice for a high-energy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs diced chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cup canned light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
Instructions
- Season the chicken with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
- Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve by scooping 3/4 cup of cooked rice into each bowl. Top with coconut chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
This dish is great for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 429
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: coconut chicken rice, gluten-free, dairy-free, protein-packed
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl! Whether you’re in need of a quick dinner after a busy day or looking for a delicious meal prep option, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With its high protein, creamy coconut sauce, and flexibility in ingredients, it’s the perfect option for a wide range of dietary needs and taste preferences.
I’d love to hear what you think! If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too—your feedback helps others discover this tasty dish
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