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Quick Protein Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This Quick Protein Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with garlic and ginger, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, it balances rich coconut flavor with simple pantry spices and packs a protein punch while remaining quick and easy to prepare. With leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish is a satisfying and comforting bowl full of tropical, aromatic goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

  • 1.75 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 1.25 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1.5 cups full-fat coconut milk
  • 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

For serving:

  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Coconut milk (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken and Prepare Aromatics: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season generously with 1.25 tsp salt, paprika, and oregano, tossing well to coat evenly. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and grate the fresh ginger to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken to Build Flavor: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on most sides. This browning enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  3. Build the Aromatics Base: Transfer the seared chicken to a plate. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and immediately add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and softened slightly to release aromatic oils into the pan.
  4. Create and Thicken the Sauce Base: Pour in 1/4 cup broth and let it simmer for 1 minute to deglaze the pan, lifting the flavorful browned bits. Stir in 1.5 tbsp tomato paste, coating the aromatics well. Then add 1.5 cups coconut milk, 0.75 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  5. Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the pan with the coconut sauce and stir to coat evenly. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and infused with the creamy sauce.
  6. Assemble and Garnish the Bowls: Divide 3 cups cooked rice among serving bowls as the base. Spoon the chicken and coconut sauce generously over the rice, ensuring plenty of sauce in each bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and drizzle extra coconut milk on top for added richness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs; chicken breasts work but watch to avoid drying out.
  • The sauce thickens better if you let the coconut milk simmer and reduce before adding the chicken back.
  • Toast spices briefly in the pan to enhance aroma before adding chicken and liquids.
  • Cooking rice in coconut milk instead of water enriches the flavor and ties the dish together.
  • To add veggies, serve with cucumber slices, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days; freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of coconut milk or broth to keep moist and fresh-tasting.
  • Substitute tofu, turkey, or pork for chicken with adjusted cooking times for variation.

Keywords: coconut chicken rice bowl, quick chicken recipe, coconut milk sauce, high protein dinner, easy weeknight meal, one pan chicken dinner, tropical chicken dish, creamy coconut chicken

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/quick-protein-coconut-chicken-rice-bowl-recipe/