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Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl: Creamy, High-Protein, and Quick to Make

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Quick and easy high-protein Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl with tender chicken breast in creamy coconut sauce served over jasmine rice. 40 grams of protein per serving, gluten-free and dairy-free.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 portions 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or dried herb blend
  • 0.5 onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated, or up to 1 tbsp for extra ginger flavor
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 1.25 cups light coconut milk (from one 13.5 oz can)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt for sauce
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Extra coconut milk optional for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Season the diced chicken breast with 1 tsp kosher salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat a large skillet over high heat and spray with oil. Add the chicken in an even layer and let it brown undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until golden.
  3. Remove the browned chicken to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and spray the pan with more oil. Add the minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 1 minute, then stir in the tomato paste, coconut milk, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Serve the coconut chicken over cooked jasmine rice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and drizzle with extra coconut milk if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave until warm, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to keep sauce creamy.
  • Protein swap: Try with chicken thighs, tofu, or shrimp.
  • For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add tofu with vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers.
  • Add red curry paste for a spicier coconut curry variation.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg