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Ingredients for Coconut chicken rice bowl

Coconut chicken rice bowl

A fragrant bowl of coconut-infused rice topped with seared marinated chicken, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro and a creamy coconut-lime sauce. Quick to make, adaptable and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 13.5 oz (ml) canned full-fat coconut milk about 400 ml
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (for the rice)
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed about 450 g
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (or neutral oil)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (for the marinade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (for the chicken marinade)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil for searing such as vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce or additional soy sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
  • 1 whole ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 stem green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • to taste salt to taste
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • as needed lime wedges

Equipment

  • medium saucepan with lid
  • Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear, then combine the rinsed rice, canned coconut milk, water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes; then fluff with a fork.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and toss with soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, honey or brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons neutral oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for about 2 minutes, then turn and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  4. Make the coconut-lime sauce by whisking together coconut cream, lime juice, fish sauce or additional soy sauce (if using), sriracha (if using) and a pinch of salt and pepper; thin with a teaspoon or two of water if necessary to reach a pourable consistency.
  5. Assemble bowls: Divide fluffed coconut rice between bowls, top with seared chicken, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro and sliced green onion. Drizzle the coconut-lime sauce over each bowl, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired and serve with lime wedges.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy while warm, or store components separately for reheating according to the storage guidance.

Notes

If you prefer less coconut richness, reduce the coconut milk in the rice to 1 cup and use 1 cup water instead of 1 cup plus coconut milk; adjust salt to taste.
The optional fish sauce adds umami but can be omitted for vegetarian or vegan versions; replace with extra soy sauce or a pinch of miso dissolved in a teaspoon of water.