Description
Coconut chicken rice bowl brings tropical paradise to your dinner table with creamy, aromatic flavors. Fresh ingredients and bold spices create a delightful meal that transports you to island culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
Coconut Base:
- 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) coconut milk
- ¼ cup (30g) toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice Components:
- 1 ½ cups (300g) jasmine rice
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable Toppings:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Serving Accompaniment:
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Immerse the chicken pieces in a fragrant marinade blending coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger, allowing the proteins to absorb the complex flavors for 30-120 minutes.
- Cleanse rice grains thoroughly under cool running water until the liquid becomes transparent, then combine with coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan, bringing to a gentle boil before reducing heat and simmering covered until liquid is completely absorbed and rice reaches a tender consistency.
- Drain marinated chicken, reserving liquid, and transfer to a preheated skillet with olive oil, searing each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches food-safe levels, creating a caramelized exterior.
- Create layered bowls by spreading coconut rice as a foundation, strategically arranging cooked chicken slices atop the grains, then decorating with crisp bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, julienned carrots, and creamy avocado segments.
- Elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile by generously scattering fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes across the surface, accompanied by zesty lime wedges to enhance the overall culinary experience.
Notes
- Enhance chicken’s tenderness by marinating for the full 2 hours, allowing coconut milk’s enzymes to break down proteins gently.
- Prevent rice from becoming mushy by rinsing thoroughly and using precise liquid measurements for perfectly fluffy texture.
- Customize bowl with protein alternatives like tofu, shrimp, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary needs.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like roasted broccoli, edamame, or spinach for increased fiber and micronutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg