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Easy Coconut Chicken and Rice – Creamy, Flavorful, Tropical Dinner Idea

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Coconut Chicken & Rice is a tropical, comforting dish with tender chicken seasoned with spices, paired with creamy coconut-infused rice. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1½ cups coconut milk
  • 1½ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • For garnish: fresh cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, toasted coconut

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with lime juice.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat coconut oil and sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 more minute.
  4. Add rice and stir to coat with aromatics. Pour in coconut milk and water/broth, bring to simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15-18 minutes until rice is tender. Let stand 5 minutes before fluffing.
  6. Slice chicken and serve over coconut rice. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and toasted coconut.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
  • Try jasmine or basmati rice for aroma.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze up to 3 months.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg