Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice: Zesty Homemade Recipe

My recent spiced coconut basil chicken experiment blends unexpected Mediterranean and Southeast Asian culinary traditions.

Fragrant herbs dance across tender meat, creating a sensational dining experience.

coconut milk adds creamy richness that softens each bite’s vibrant spice profile.

Complex layers of flavor emerge from carefully selected ingredients simmering together.

Fresh basil leaves contribute an aromatic brightness that cuts through the dish’s deep warmth.

Simple yet sophisticated techniques transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor every delectable forkful of this incredible recipe.

Coconut Basil Chicken Variations

• Vegan Coconut Basil Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressing and cubing it before pan-frying. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Bowl: Ensure all spices and broths are certified gluten-free. Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative.
• Low-Carb Spicy Coconut Chicken: Skip rice entirely and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce coconut milk for fewer calories and add extra chili powder for heat.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add kalamata olives, swap basil for oregano, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Use Greek yogurt as an optional garnish for extra creaminess.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this dish?

The key spices are cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, which create a warm, complex flavor profile that enhances the chicken and sauce.

• How does coconut milk affect the recipe?

Coconut milk adds a creamy, rich texture and provides a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and creates a luxurious sauce for the chicken.

• Why use fresh basil in the recipe?

Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and provides a fresh contrast to the warm spices, elevating the overall flavor of the dish.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder, allowing you to customize the spice to your personal preference.

What Makes Coconut Basil Chicken Stand Out

• Prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Dive into a vibrant dish packed with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creating a mouthwatering experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe adapts easily to different dining scenarios and preferences.
• Combine lean protein from chicken, nutritious rice, and the goodness of coconut milk and fresh basil for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Coconut Basil Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious dish.

• Fresh Basil: Bright and fragrant herb that adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the dish.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Chili Powder: Spice blend that creates a complex and rich taste experience.

• Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth: Creamy and savory liquids that form the base of the flavorful sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Lime Juice: Tangy citrus element that brightens the entire dish.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking surface.

• Rice: Soft and fluffy base that absorbs the delicious sauce and completes the meal.

• Extra Basil: Optional fresh herb topping for additional aroma and visual appeal.

Cooking Coconut Basil Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Kickstart the Rice

Bring your rice to life by following the package instructions.

Let it rest and stay warm while you create the magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm up olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then dance it around the pan for 6-7 minutes per side until it transforms into a golden, fully cooked masterpiece.

Gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, welcome chopped onions and let them soften for 3-4 minutes.

Invite garlic and ginger to the party, letting them mingle for a minute.

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Chili powder

Stir the spices with love and let them bloom for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Chicken broth

Blend these liquids together, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the luscious sauce for about 5 minutes.

Watch the flavors dance and intertwine.

Step 6: Final Flavor Burst

• Fresh basil
• Lime juice

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your heart’s content.

Step 7: Plate with Passion

Nestle the chicken and its dreamy sauce over the warm rice.

Crown with extra basil leaves if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Pro Tips for Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Choose full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that coats the chicken beautifully and provides deeper taste complexity.
• Toast ground spices briefly in the pan to awaken their essential oils, intensifying the aromatic profile of your entire dish.
• Add basil leaves at the very end of cooking to preserve their bright, vibrant flavor and prevent wilting or bitterness.
• Use medium heat when simmering to prevent coconut milk from separating and maintain a smooth, silky sauce consistency.

Storing Coconut Basil Chicken the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and rice separately to maintain texture. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with date and contents.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or coconut milk to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking chicken, heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pairings for Basil Chicken and Rice

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, aromatic white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the spicy and creamy coconut sauce, balancing the dish's complex flavors.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Choose a cold Thai-style iced tea or a light ginger beer to cool down the spices and enhance the coconut and basil notes with their refreshing qualities.
• Complementary Side Salad: Create a zesty cucumber and mint salad with a lime vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich and creamy chicken dish, adding brightness to each bite.
• Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and extra fresh basil on top to amplify the existing flavors and add a delightful textural crunch to the final presentation.

Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic blends tropical coconut basil chicken with fragrant jasmine rice, creating a harmonious dance of Thai-inspired flavors. Comforting yet exciting, this dish promises a delightful journey that will transport you straight to Southeast Asian kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
• 2 cups (370 grams) cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice according to package directions, setting aside for later use at room temperature.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board while preparing aromatic base.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to prevent burning and releasing their fragrant oils.
6. Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, toasting spices for 1-2 minutes to enhance their complex flavors.
7. Pour coconut milk and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to incorporate spices and scrape any caramelized bits from pan bottom.
8. Reintroduce seared chicken into the simmering sauce, allowing it to absorb the rich, spiced liquid for 5 minutes.
9. Finish the dish by stirring in fresh basil leaves and a splash of lime juice, balancing the creamy sauce with bright, herbaceous notes.
10. Plate the spiced chicken over prepared rice, garnishing with additional basil for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity for heat-sensitive palates or those wanting bolder flavors.
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for more richness and deeper flavor complexity if preferring juicier meat.
• Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more intense flavor profiles.
• Consider dairy-free or vegan alternatives by substituting chicken with firm tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg