Zesty Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering spiced coconut basil chicken with rice brings together unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Layers of aromatic spices blend seamlessly with creamy coconut milk and fragrant herbs.

Mediterranean and Southeast Asian influences merge in this delightful culinary creation.

Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant green brightness to the dish.

Tender chicken pieces absorb rich, complex seasonings during slow cooking.

Fluffy rice serves as the perfect canvas for these incredible flavors.

Jump into this recipe and unleash a symphony of tastes that will transport you to a culinary adventure.

Ingredients For Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken

• Cumin: Adds warm, earthy flavor to the chicken.
• Cinnamon: Provides sweet and woody undertones.
• Ground Cloves: Delivers a rich, intense spice note.
• Cardamom: Contributes a complex, aromatic element.
• Black Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and sharp taste.
• Chili Powder: Adds mild spiciness to the dish.
• Turmeric: Offers a golden color and subtle warmth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Chicken: Main protein for the recipe.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base.
• Jalapeño: Adds a fresh, spicy kick.
• Garlic: Contributes deep, pungent flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: Brings a zesty, sharp taste.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding richness.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.

• Rice: Serves as a classic accompaniment to the chicken.

How To Make Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken

Step 1: Blend Aromatic Spice Mixture

Create a vibrant spice blend by mixing cumin, cinnamon, ground cloves, cardamom, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and turmeric in a small bowl.

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken with Spices

Toss chicken pieces in the spice mixture, ensuring every morsel gets generously coated.

Let the chicken rest and soak up the incredible flavors for half an hour.

Step 3: Sauté Flavor Builders

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Chopped onion
• Minced jalapeño

Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until wonderfully fragrant.

Transfer this aromatic mixture to a separate bowl.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil.

Cook chicken in batches to ensure perfect browning.

Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Brown each piece until cooked through, then transfer to the bowl with onion mixture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Coconut Sauce

Pour coconut milk into the skillet.

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and bubbles.

Splash in Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor kick.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken and onion mixture to the skillet.

• Fresh basil
• Chopped ginger

Cook for 2 minutes to marry all the incredible flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.

Drizzle extra coconut curry sauce on top.

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips For Coconut Basil Chicken With Rice

• Allow the spice mixture to sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and create a deeper, more robust taste profile.
• Cook chicken in batches to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming, which helps develop a delicious golden exterior and locks in moisture.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and prevent wilting from prolonged heat exposure.
• Let coconut milk reduce slightly before adding chicken back to the skillet, creating a richer, more concentrated sauce that clings beautifully to the meat.

Flavor Twists For Basil Chicken With Rice

• Vegetarian Spice Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and marinated in the same spice blend. Sauté until golden and follow the original recipe steps.
• Seafood Coconut Fusion: Swap chicken with large shrimp or white fish fillets. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain delicate protein texture.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative. Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free by checking ingredients or using tamari sauce.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Adaptation: Verify all ingredients are dairy-free. Use plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and verify Worcestershire sauce compatibility with dietary restrictions.

Suggested Pairings For Spiced Basil Chicken

• Tropical Island Vibes: Serve this dish on a large platter with vibrant green banana leaves as a base, creating a stunning presentation that transports diners to a Caribbean-style feast.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions on top to add bright color, fresh flavor, and a pop of herbal freshness to the dish.
• Crunch Factor: Add toasted coconut flakes or chopped cashews as a final garnish to introduce a delightful textural contrast that complements the creamy coconut sauce and tender chicken.
• Cooling Companion: Pair with a quick cucumber and yogurt raita or a zesty lime-dressed side salad to balance the warm spices and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken.

Storage Recommendations For Basil Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Will stay good for up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• What spices are used in this recipe?

The spice blend includes cumin, cinnamon, ground cloves, cardamom, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and turmeric, creating a complex and aromatic flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the jalapeño and chili powder, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or removing the jalapeño seeds.

• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried basil compared to fresh.

• What makes the sauce creamy?

Coconut milk is the key ingredient that creates the creamy, rich sauce in this dish, giving it a smooth and luxurious texture.

Why Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Shines

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: Dive into a culinary adventure with this spice-packed chicken recipe that combines warm, aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom for a flavor explosion.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing jalapeño, swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice, and make it your own delicious creation.
• Quick and Wholesome Meal: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that moves seamlessly from sautéing to simmering, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spiced coconut basil chicken with rice brings tropical flavors dancing across your plate with Mediterranean-inspired zest. Fragrant herbs and creamy coconut merge into a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground turmeric

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2–3 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.33 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant spice blend by meticulously mixing cumin, cinnamon, ground cloves, cardamom, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and turmeric in a compact container.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the aromatic spice mixture, allowing them to marinate for 30 minutes and absorb the complex flavor profile.
3. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, then sauté diced onions and jalapeños for approximately 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute to release its robust aroma. Transfer the fragrant vegetable mixture to a separate bowl.
5. Utilize the same skillet to brown chicken pieces in batches, ensuring each piece develops a golden exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface.
6. Pour coconut milk into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce while stirring periodically until the sauce thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
7. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce into the bubbling coconut sauce, creating a rich and complex flavor foundation.
8. Reunite the sautéed vegetables and browned chicken within the skillet, gently folding in fresh basil and chopped ginger to elevate the dish’s aromatic qualities.
9. After 2 minutes of gentle simmering, plate the spiced coconut basil chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice, generously drizzling the remaining coconut curry sauce.
10. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves to enhance visual appeal and provide a final burst of herbal freshness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 1-2 hours in refrigerator to enhance spice penetration.
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat that absorbs spices better than breast meat.
• Adjust chili powder and jalapeño levels to customize heat intensity, making dish milder or spicier based on preference.
• Use fresh basil leaves right before serving to maintain bright, aromatic flavor and prevent wilting during cooking.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 377 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 397 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 74 mg