The Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant coconut rice, and fresh vegetables into one wholesome dish.
The chicken is marinated or cooked in a savory coconut milk-based sauce, infused with hints of garlic, ginger, and mild spices, creating a rich and creamy flavor profile. Paired with fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk, the dish gains a subtle sweetness and irresistible aroma.
Fresh vegetables—such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas—add color, crunch, and nutrients, balancing the creamy texture with freshness. A drizzle of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro bring brightness to the dish, making it both satisfying and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a deliciously creamy, slightly sweet, and savory dish that brings tropical flavors to your table! Featuring tender, coconut-infused chicken, fluffy rice, and a touch of lime and cilantro, this meal is both comforting and refreshing.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with protein, making it a great option for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner. Serve it with your favorite veggies, sriracha for heat, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra crunch!
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Description
Perfect for busy weeknights, this rice bowl offers a well-rounded meal in one serving.
It’s versatile enough to adapt to various protein options, and it can be served warm for a hearty dinner or chilled as a light lunch.
The combination of healthy carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats makes it a balanced choice for anyone looking for a nutritious yet indulgent option.
Whether enjoyed as a family meal or meal-prepped for the week, the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience in every bite.
This Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl combines juicy, coconut-marinated chicken with fluffy, aromatic coconut rice, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying. The subtle sweetness from coconut milk pairs perfectly with the zesty lime and fresh cilantro, making every bite burst with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Coconut Rice:
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl, mix coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the chicken pieces, coat well, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
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Cook the Coconut Rice:
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Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear.
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In a pot, combine rice, coconut milk, water (or broth), and salt.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
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Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil or coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Optional: Pour any extra marinade into the pan and simmer for 2 minutes to create a light sauce.
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Assemble the Bowls:
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Divide coconut rice among bowls.
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Top with cooked chicken and drizzle with sauce if desired.
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Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and toasted coconut.
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Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy a taste of the tropics!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for extra flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies for a Balanced Meal
- Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to mix into the bowl.
- Make It Spicy
- Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil for some heat.
- Use Leftover Rice
- If short on time, use pre-cooked or leftover rice and simply warm it with a splash of coconut milk.
- Meal Prep Friendly
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches!
Variations and Storage
Variations:
- Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, tofu, or tempeh for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
- Spice Levels: Add red curry paste or chili flakes for heat, or keep it mild for a family-friendly version.
- Rice Alternatives: Use jasmine rice for a traditional touch, brown rice for extra fiber, or quinoa for a protein boost.
- Vegetable Mix: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, bok choy, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Sauce Flavors: Enhance the coconut sauce with peanut butter for a nutty richness or soy sauce for a savory depth.
Storage:
Allow the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl to cool completely before storing. Place portions in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay good for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—just be aware that vegetables may lose some texture upon thawing.
When reheating from the fridge, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring to ensure even heating. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming, or use a microwave’s defrost setting.
For best results, sprinkle a little water or extra coconut milk over the rice before reheating to prevent dryness. Garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced chili should be added just before serving to preserve freshness and flavor.
Conclution:
In conclusion, the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is a tropical, flavor-packed meal that combines the richness of coconut with tender chicken and fresh, vibrant ingredients.
The dish starts with juicy, seasoned chicken that’s either pan-seared or grilled to perfection, then served over a bed of fluffy coconut rice, which infuses the grains with a subtle sweetness and creamy texture.
Topped with colorful vegetables, herbs, and a zesty sauce, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
What truly makes this bowl stand out is the harmonious fusion of the tropical coconut flavor with the savory chicken and the freshness of the toppings.
The coconut rice, made with coconut milk and a hint of lime, provides a comforting base, while the chicken remains the star, perfectly cooked and seasoned to complement the other ingredients.
You can elevate the dish even further with a drizzle of coconut yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
The beauty of the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences—add some heat with sliced chili peppers, or toss in roasted vegetables or greens for added nutrients. For a lighter version, try grilled shrimp or tofu in place of chicken.
It’s also easy to adjust the sauce or toppings, whether you prefer a peanut dressing, a tangy vinaigrette, or a creamy avocado topping.
This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Whether you’re craving something fresh and light or something more hearty and filling, the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl checks all the boxes, offering a satisfying, flavorful meal that brings the tropical tastes of summer to your table all year round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but full-fat coconut milk gives a richer, creamier taste. Light coconut milk may result in a thinner sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free and gluten-free—just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (or use tamari).
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
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Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat in a pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of coconut milk to keep it moist.
