Golden Coconut Chicken and Jasmine Rice in Aromatic Broth
Description
A rich, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs, fluffy jasmine rice, and a fragrant golden coconut broth infused with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Creamy, savoury, and warmly spiced, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or easy meal prep.
Time
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings
4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sliced green onions
- Chili flakes
Method
Step 1: Season Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
In the same pot, add onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Add Rice
Stir in rinsed jasmine rice.
Step 6: Return Chicken
Place chicken thighs back into the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
Step 7: Simmer
Cover and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 8: Rest
Turn off heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Fluff rice gently, garnish with cilantro, green onion, or lime, and serve warm.
Notes
- Full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest broth.
- Rinsing rice helps keep grains fluffy.
- Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender.
Tips
- Add spinach or peas in last 5 minutes for extra veggies.
- Use basmati rice if jasmine unavailable.
- Add chili for heat.
- Squeeze lime before serving for brightness.
- Great one-pot meal for leftovers.
Nutritional Info (Approx per serving if 5 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Benefits
- High protein meal for satiety
- Turmeric and ginger offer anti-inflammatory benefits
- Coconut milk adds richness and healthy fats
- Balanced comfort food with carbs + protein
Q&A
Q1: Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier.
Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
It already is dairy-free.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, up to 2 months.
Q4: What vegetables go well in it?
Spinach, peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
Q5: Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add chili flakes or fresh chili.