Description
Bold and comforting, this Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is your next dinner obsession. A creamy coconut sauce wraps around tender chicken, seasoned to perfection and finished with vibrant fresh basil. Perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas, healthy-ish comfort food, or a meal that works just as well for weeknights as it does for company. This easy recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients—your go-to for an easy dinner, flavorful food idea, or meal prep winner!
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sautée onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
4. Return chicken to the pan and pour in the coconut milk. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Turn off heat and stir in fresh basil. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot over rice and garnish with more basil if desired.
Notes
For more heat, increase cayenne or add red chili flakes while simmering.
To make it dairy-free and paleo, skip the butter and stick with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion, Thai-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (with rice)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg