Description
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken simmered in creamy coconut milk with aromatic basil and spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with turmeric, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add basil leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes. Finish with lime juice before serving.
- Meanwhile, rinse rice until water runs clear. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add rice, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Serve chicken and coconut sauce over the rice. Garnish with fresh basil or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer (up to a few hours) for enhanced flavor.
- Use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Reheat leftovers gently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken with coconut milk and basil, coconut chicken recipe, creamy coconut basil chicken, chicken in coconut sauce, easy chicken dinner