Description
Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken & Rice is a creamy, spicy, and herbaceous one-pan dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Tender chicken simmers in a velvety coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and fresh Thai basil, then served over fluffy jasmine rice. It’s one of the best quick dinner ideas, bursting with Southeast Asian-inspired flavor and ready in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe for meal prep, dinner ideas with chicken, or a bold-flavored comfort dish, this healthy, satisfying option delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp curry powder (optional)
1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thinly
3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
Additional chili flakes and basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in red chili flakes, coriander, and curry powder. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
5. Pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
7. Stir in most of the fresh basil, saving a bit for garnish. Turn off the heat.
8. Serve over rice and garnish with remaining basil and chili flakes.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy texture and richness.
Stir in the basil at the very end to keep its flavor fresh and bright.
Avoid boiling the sauce — a gentle simmer prevents the coconut milk from curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, spiced chicken, coconut basil chicken, creamy chicken recipe