How to Make a Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl in 20 Minutes
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, quick, and nutritious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and perfectly cooked rice, this bowl is packed with flavor and texture, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (or any rice of your choice)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice according to the package instructions (you can also use pre-cooked rice to save time).
- Cook the chicken: While the rice cooks, heat the olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and ginger: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add coconut milk and soy sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce (or coconut aminos), stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the bowl: In each serving bowl, add a portion of the cooked rice, top with the coconut chicken mixture, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded coconut, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
- You can add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper when cooking the garlic.
- For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or substitute with almond milk for a less creamy texture.
