Go Back

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

A quick and easy spiced coconut basil chicken dish that brings a tropical twist to dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Tropical
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder or your favorite spice blend
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce adds depth of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves can’t skip this ingredient!
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving; jasmine or basmati work beautifully

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown.
Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until your kitchen is filled with an inviting aroma.
Create the Sauce
  1. Stir in the curry powder, fish sauce, and brown sugar into the fragrant mixture. After a minute, pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add in the Chicken
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, making sure it is nicely soaked in the fragrant coconut curry. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finish with Basil
  1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves, letting them wilt gently into the delicious sauce.
Serve
  1. Serve this dish over a mound of fluffy rice and enjoy!

Notes

Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, and feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. If your sauce looks lumpy, a quick whisk usually fixes it!