Description

This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice recipe blends creamy coconut milk, fragrant Thai basil, tender chicken, and warm spices for a bold and comforting meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a quick one-skillet dish with rich Southeast Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect with jasmine rice and customizable for your heat level.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless

1 tablespoon avocado or vegetable oil

1 cup canned coconut milk

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

3 cloves garlic, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 cup fresh Thai basil (or sweet basil), chopped

3 cups cooked jasmine rice

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add grated garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.

3. Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce. Stir in red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add chopped basil and lime juice. Stir to coat evenly.

5. Serve the chicken over freshly cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with extra basil and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

For a richer sauce, use full-fat coconut milk and simmer a few extra minutes.

Thai basil gives the most authentic flavor, but sweet basil with a pinch of mint works well too.

Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing the chicken—work in batches if needed for better browning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Thai-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 105mg