Introduction

This Delicious Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant coconut milk, and vibrant vegetables. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something warm and nourishing with minimal fuss.

Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts or tofu)
Full-fat coconut milk (or light coconut milk)
Jasmine rice (or basmati rice or brown rice)
Good quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Bell peppers
Carrots
Spinach (or green beans or peas)
Fresh ginger
Garlic
Lemongrass (or lime zest)
Cilantro
Green onions (or parsley or basil)
Salt
Pepper
Oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the vegetables and mince the garlic and ginger.
Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped lemongrass and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat them in the aromatics. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on the outside.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the rice to the pot, stirring well to combine and ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
Step 6: Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: In the last 5 minutes, add the vegetables so they stay tender but crisp.
Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken breasts or tofu as a substitute for thighs for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Brown rice works well but requires a longer cooking time and more broth.
Add a splash of lime juice before serving to enhance the fresh flavors.
Swap lemongrass for lime zest if you prefer a simpler citrus note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?

Fresh vegetables are best for texture and flavor, but if using canned, add them at the end of cooking and warm through to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish keeps well and can be portioned into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

This delicious Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant coconut milk, and aromatic herbs with jasmine rice and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers rich, vibrant flavors in every bite.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts or tofu)

Liquids

1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or light coconut milk)
2 cups good quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Grains

1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati rice or brown rice)

Vegetables

1 bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cups fresh spinach (or green beans or peas)

Aromatics & Herbs

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk lemongrass, chopped (or 1 teaspoon lime zest)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (or parsley or basil)

Seasonings & Oil

1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice your vegetables and mince the garlic and ginger for use later in the cooking process.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped lemongrass, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they release their fragrant aromas and soften slightly.
Add Chicken: Toss in the chicken pieces, stirring to coat them in the aromatic mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside, ensuring it is sealed in flavor.
Incorporate the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Add Rice: Once simmering, add the jasmine rice to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid to guarantee even cooking.
Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, toss in the diced bell peppers, carrots, and spinach so they become tender while retaining their bright colors and texture.
Finish with Herbs: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and green onions. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
Serve: Ladle the Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice into serving bowls. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for added brightness and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Using full-fat coconut milk enriches the broth’s creaminess, but light coconut milk can be used for a lighter meal.
Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Make sure to stir occasionally during the simmering phase to prevent rice from sticking or burning.
For added spice, consider adding a chopped chili or a dash of chili flakes during the sauté step.
This dish pairs well with a side of fresh lime wedges or a simple cucumber salad.

Keywords: coconut chicken rice, brothy rice, one-pot meal, comfort food, coconut milk chicken, easy dinner recipe, stovetop chicken rice