Coconut Chicken and Spinach Rice Bowl Recipe to Enjoy
This Coconut Chicken and Spinach Rice Bowl is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy coconut sauce with fresh spinach and fragrant rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that transports you to tropical paradise with every bite.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Tropical
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (13.5 oz or 400ml) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati rice), rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Lime wedges
- Additional fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Begin with preparing the rice. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. (about 5 minutes)
- Add the washed rice along with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a pot. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes until cooked and the liquid is absorbed. (about 20 minutes total)
- While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the aromas are released. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Add the spices: 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Stir everything well and let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Now add the chicken: Place 450g of cut chicken thighs (or breasts) into the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Stir regularly to prevent burning.
- Pour in 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer in the coconut milk for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the dish with salt, pepper, and the juice of 1 lime. Stir everything well and let it sit on low heat for a few minutes.
- For the spinach rice: After 15 minutes, the rice is ready. Add 2 cups of fresh chopped spinach, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and let it sit on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve the Coconut Chicken and Spinach Rice Bowl by first placing a portion of spinach rice in a bowl, then layering the coconut chicken on top. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Optionally, you can also add sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75 °C. You can adjust the ratio of coconut milk and chicken depending on how creamy you like your dish.