If you’re looking for a meal that brings bold flavors to the table while still being easy to prepare, Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice might just be the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines the rich creaminess of coconut milk, the warmth of aromatic spices, and the freshness of basil to create a meal that feels like a celebration of flavors in every bite.
The combination of spices curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and paprika elevates the chicken into something special, while the coconut milk smooths out the flavors for a creamy, comforting sauce. The fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sauce, and when served over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress both family and friends.
This meal works for a wide range of occasions. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a small gathering. Plus, it’s versatile you can adjust the spices, swap out ingredients, or even make it vegetarian. Let’s dive into how you can create this flavorful dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicier, but if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work just as well. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The combination of onion, garlic, and ginger creates a fragrant base for the dish that will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now, it’s time to add the spices that will give this dish its warm, earthy flavor. Sprinkle the curry powder, ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric into the pan. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing them to toast slightly. This step intensifies their flavors and gives the dish a deep, aromatic quality.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once the spices have bloomed, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Stir them around to coat them in the onion and spice mixture. Let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken through completely at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the sauce later.
Step 5: Make the Coconut Sauce
Pour the coconut milk into the pan, stirring to combine it with the chicken and spices. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar to balance out the flavors. The coconut milk will create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the spicy and savory elements of the dish.
Step 6: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. As the dish simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both rich and fragrant.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, stir in the fresh basil leaves. The basil will wilt slightly in the heat of the sauce, releasing its fresh, slightly sweet aroma into the dish. This final step adds a layer of freshness that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk, making the dish feel light and vibrant.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the spiced coconut basil chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine or basmati rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish that brightens the dish. A squeeze of lime juice over the chicken before serving adds a citrusy pop that enhances the complexity of the flavors.
Variations
This dish is highly adaptable, making it easy to adjust for different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some variations you might want to try:
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for tofu, chickpeas, or a combination of vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. The rich coconut milk sauce will work just as well with these ingredients.
- Spicier Option: If you like your food on the spicy side, increase the amount of curry powder or add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat. You can also add some freshly chopped green chili peppers for a more intense kick.
- Low-Carb/Keto: To make this dish lower in carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine or basmati rice. The coconut sauce pairs beautifully with cauliflower, offering a healthy alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have basil on hand, you can substitute it with fresh cilantro or mint for a different herbal note. Each of these herbs brings a unique flavor profile that complements the spices in the dish.
Cooking Notes
- Fish Sauce: The fish sauce is optional, but it adds an extra depth of umami flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fish sauce, you can leave it out, and the dish will still be delicious.
- Coconut Milk: Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Light coconut milk can work, but it won’t provide the same luxurious sauce.
- Rice Options: Both jasmine rice and basmati rice are excellent choices for this dish, as their fragrant aroma complements the spices and coconut sauce. However, you can also use brown rice for a heartier, healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
While Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is satisfying on its own, you can elevate the meal with a few simple sides:
- Cucumber Salad: A crisp cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the coconut sauce.
- Naan Bread: Serve with warm naan bread to scoop up the sauce for a truly indulgent experience.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and texture to the plate and pair well with the spiced coconut sauce.
Tips
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for later use.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken and rice separately to prevent the rice from absorbing too much sauce. Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! While thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier, chicken breasts are a leaner option and will work just fine.
2. Is there a substitute for fish sauce? If you don’t have fish sauce, you can replace it with soy sauce or simply omit it. The dish will still be flavorful.
3. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables, and skip the fish sauce. The result will be a delicious vegan meal with all the richness of the coconut milk sauce.
Conclusion
Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with bold, aromatic spices. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will impress with its layers of flavor and creamy, rich sauce. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime for that extra pop of freshness, and feel free to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking
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Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicier, but if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work just as well. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The combination of onion, garlic, and ginger creates a fragrant base for the dish that will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now, it’s time to add the spices that will give this dish its warm, earthy flavor. Sprinkle the curry powder, ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric into the pan. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing them to toast slightly. This step intensifies their flavors and gives the dish a deep, aromatic quality.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once the spices have bloomed, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Stir them around to coat them in the onion and spice mixture. Let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken through completely at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the sauce later.
Step 5: Make the Coconut Sauce
Pour the coconut milk into the pan, stirring to combine it with the chicken and spices. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar to balance out the flavors. The coconut milk will create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the spicy and savory elements of the dish.
Step 6: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. As the dish simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both rich and fragrant.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, stir in the fresh basil leaves. The basil will wilt slightly in the heat of the sauce, releasing its fresh, slightly sweet aroma into the dish. This final step adds a layer of freshness that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk, making the dish feel light and vibrant.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the spiced coconut basil chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine or basmati rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish that brightens the dish. A squeeze of lime juice over the chicken before serving adds a citrusy pop that enhances the complexity of the flavors.
Notes
- Fish Sauce: The fish sauce is optional, but it adds an extra depth of umami flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fish sauce, you can leave it out, and the dish will still be delicious.
- Coconut Milk: Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Light coconut milk can work, but it won’t provide the same luxurious sauce.
- Rice Options: Both jasmine rice and basmati rice are excellent choices for this dish, as their fragrant aroma complements the spices and coconut sauce. However, you can also use brown rice for a heartier, healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes