This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the warmth of curry and chili powder, all topped off with the refreshing taste of fresh basil. The tender chicken, simmered in aromatic spices and coconut milk, creates a rich and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. It’s a comforting, yet exotic dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to please your taste buds.

Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, this recipe features simple ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or just looking for a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to your spice tolerance, making it customizable to suit all preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is an incredibly satisfying dish that balances rich, creamy coconut milk with the aromatic heat of curry and chili powder. The combination of spices infuses the chicken with a robust flavor, while the fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to the dish. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this meal is both filling and bursting with complex flavors. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special meal that feels like a treat. Best of all, the recipe is adaptable, so you can tweak the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 can coconut milk
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to make the dish even more nutritious.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of curry powder and chili powder. You can also omit the chili powder entirely.
Add Heat: For those who love spicy food, increase the chili powder or add a finely chopped chili pepper to the mix for an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Coconut Milk and Vegetables

Once the chicken is browned, add the coconut milk, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, curry powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Dish

Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil

Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the basil infuse the sauce with its aromatic flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the spiced coconut basil chicken mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with extra basil, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Searing the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is properly seared to create a flavorful crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier sauce, opt for full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk.
Cooked Rice: You can use leftover rice or freshly made rice for this recipe. Basmati rice works particularly well with this dish, but any variety will do.
Adjusting the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.

How to Serve

This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken is best served over cooked rice, which absorbs the flavorful coconut sauce. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or coconut water for a refreshing contrast to the spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to improve as they sit, so it makes for great leftovers.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work great in this recipe. They are more flavorful and stay moist while cooking.

2. Is this dish spicy?

This dish has a mild to medium level of spiciness due to the chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

4. Can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce the coconut milk. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.

5. What type of rice should I use?

Basmati rice is an excellent choice for this dish, but you can also use jasmine rice, white rice, or brown rice.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and coconut sauce. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can increase the chili powder or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the dish.

10. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs perfectly with rice, but you can also serve it with naan bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the bold flavors of curry and chili powder. The addition of fresh basil provides a refreshing, aromatic finish to the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish will impress with its comforting yet exotic flavors. It’s simple, customizable, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!