Go Back
A close-up, overhead view of the creamy coconut chicken simmering in a skillet with fresh cilantro.

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl (Easy & Creamy Recipe)

This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish that's ready in under 40 minutes. Tender chicken in a luxurious coconut sauce makes for the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Thai
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice uncooked
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 1 Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls

Instructions
 

  1. Prepare the jasmine rice according to package directions. Keep it warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour the coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice into the skillet. Whisk everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and whisk until it begins to thicken, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it completely in the creamy sauce.
  7. Divide the cooked jasmine rice among four bowls. Top with the coconut chicken and a generous spoonful of the sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the creamiest, richest sauce, full-fat canned coconut milk is essential.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
QR Code linking back to recipe