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A close-up overhead shot of coconut chicken and rice in a rustic ceramic bowl, showing the fluffy rice and tender chicken chunks.

Coconut Chicken and Rice (The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe)

This Coconut Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner! Tender chicken and fluffy jasmine rice are simmered in a creamy, fragrant coconut milk sauce for a delicious meal that's ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Thai-Inspired
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed and drained jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the grains.
  5. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  7. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  8. Uncover, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and fluff gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Rinse Your Rice: Don't skip rinsing the rice; it's the key to a fluffy, non-gummy texture.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the best creamy results, use full-fat, canned coconut milk. The kind in a carton is too thin.
Don't Peek: Keep the lid on while the rice is simmering to trap the steam needed for cooking.