This Easy Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken is a treat! It’s juicy chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce, packed with fresh basil and warm spices. Best served over fluffy rice!
I love how all the flavors come together in one bowl. It makes dinner feel special, yet it’s super easy to whip up. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work great too! If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu as a tasty alternative, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives a rich flavor. If you want a lighter dish, use light coconut milk or even unsweetened almond milk, though it won’t be as creamy.
Green Chili: For a kick, use fresh jalapeños or any hot pepper on hand. If you prefer less heat, omit it or substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Basil: Fresh basil makes this dish shine, but if unavailable, dried basil can work too—just use a third of the amount since dried is more concentrated!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
One of the challenges is cooking the chicken to perfection without drying it out. Here are some tips:
- Use medium-high heat when browning to get a nice color without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Once cooked, let it rest briefly before serving to keep it juicy.
These simple steps will ensure your chicken remains tender and flavorful in every bite!
Easy Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green chili or jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This develops a great base flavor for your dish.
3. Adding Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic and the chopped green chili if you’re using it. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—this will give your dish a lovely aroma!
4. Stirring in the Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Cook these spices for about 30 seconds, which helps to release all those delicious flavors.
5. Creating the Sauce:
If you’re using tomato paste, add it in now and stir to combine. Then, pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
6. Simmering the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom!
7. Finishing Touch:
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to brighten up the dish. Fresh basil really adds a nice touch!
8. Serving Up:
To serve, spoon the spiced coconut basil chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious and fragrant Easy Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice!
FAQ for Easy Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
Can I Use Different Proteins?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas. Just adjust the cooking times: shrimp will cook faster (about 3-4 minutes), while tofu or chickpeas might need a little longer to heat through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, add more chopped green chili or jalapeño, or include a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also serve with a hot sauce on the side for those who want to spice it up even more!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Definitely! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and ensure your coconut milk is vegan-friendly (most are). Skip the optional tomato paste if desired or use a vegan substitute in your recipe!
