Description
Craving something bold, comforting, and easy to pull off? This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is the flavorful weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed. Tender chicken seared to perfection, simmered in a silky coconut milk sauce infused with warming spices and fresh basil — it’s a rich, satisfying dish that brings together Southeast Asian and Indian-inspired flavors in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, meal prep recipes, or a gluten-free, dairy-free dinner, this one-skillet wonder checks every box.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon lime juice
1.5 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 green chili or jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
Fresh cilantro or extra basil, for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin and paprika.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on all sides until golden, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add remaining cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne. Stir to coat aromatics.
6. Pour in coconut milk, lime juice, and chopped green chili. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat. Simmer on low for 8–10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
8. Stir in chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest 3–5 minutes off heat.
9. Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with cilantro or more basil, and lime wedges.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest and richest texture.
Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion / Southeast Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1¼ cups
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken dinner, coconut milk chicken, easy rice bowl, creamy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner