Description
A comforting and easy one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce with jasmine rice. Ready in under 40 minutes, this wholesome dish is perfect for weeknights and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice (190g)
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (240 ml)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear without moving for about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the same pan and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir in brown sugar, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked jasmine rice to the simmering sauce and stir to combine. Nestle seared chicken pieces back into the pan, submerging them in the liquid. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add chili flakes or fresh chili if desired.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use full-fat canned coconut milk for best creaminess. Avoid stirring rice too much once added to allow proper absorption. If rice is undercooked or liquid evaporates too fast, add a splash of water or broth and cook a few more minutes. Searing chicken adds flavor and texture. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish at the end. Leftovers reheat well with added liquid.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: coconut chicken, rice bowl, one-pot dinner, creamy coconut sauce, jasmine rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal