Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice – Irresistible!

I’ll never forget the first time I made spiced coconut basil chicken with rice—it was one of those happy accidents that turned into a weeknight staple. My fridge was nearly empty except for a lonely can of coconut milk and a bunch of basil that needed using, and wow, what a flavor explosion we created! The moment those warm spices hit the coconut milk with the fresh basil, my tiny kitchen smelled like a tropical getaway. Now it’s my go-to when I want something quick but special, with that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and herbaceous. Trust me, once you try this combo over fluffy jasmine rice, you’ll understand why it’s become my most-requested dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

• It comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• The creamy coconut milk and warm spices create a rich, comforting flavor.
• Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish that’s irresistible.
• It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a meal prep dream.

Ingredients for Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen in your skillet! I’m meticulous about prep—it makes all the difference in how quickly this dish comes together.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces (thighs work too!)
• 1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati—whatever’s in your pantry)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk—go full-fat for that luscious texture
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (pack it lightly—it’s okay if it’s a heap!)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (I keep mine frozen for easy peeling)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (more if you’re feeling bold!)
• 1 tbsp curry powder—my secret weapon
• 1 tsp turmeric for that golden glow
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (scale up or down—this is where you control the heat)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil if you’re extra tropical)
• Salt & pepper—just trust your tastebuds here

Pro tip: Measure your spices into a little bowl beforehand—it’ll feel just like cooking shows!

If you love bold flavors with a creamy kick, don’t miss this Easy Coconut Chicken with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce — it’s a quick dinner that always impresses.

How to Make Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

Okay, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together like magic when you follow these simple steps. I promise it’s easier than it sounds—just imagine you’re building layers of flavor. The most important part? Don’t rush that golden-brown chicken!

Cooking the Rice

First things first—get your rice going! Cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions (usually a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio). Once it’s done, fluff it with a fork and keep it covered so it stays warm while you work on the star of the show.

Preparing the Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the garlic and ginger—you’ll know it’s ready when the aroma hits you (about 1 minute). Careful not to burn them!

Add your diced chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let it get beautifully browned—about 5 minutes. Resist stirring too much! Those crispy edges add so much flavor.

Now the fun part—sprinkle in your curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir like you mean it so every piece gets coated in those warm spices. Cook for another minute until your kitchen smells incredible.

Pour in that luscious coconut milk—it’ll sizzle dramatically at first—then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.

The final touch? Fold in that fresh basil right at the end. It’ll wilt instantly and make everything smell like summer.

Serving the Dish

Spoon that fragrant chicken and creamy sauce over your waiting rice. Watch how the golden coconut milk cascades down the fluffy grains—absolute perfection!

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Tips for Perfect Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

Here are my hard-earned secrets for making this dish sing every single time:

• Splurge on full-fat coconut milk – That rich, creamy texture makes all the difference. Light coconut milk just won’t give you the same luscious sauce.
• Control your heat with cayenne – Start with 1/4 tsp if you’re sensitive to spice, then taste and add more. The coconut milk tames it beautifully.
• Basil at the very end! Stir it in right before serving to keep that fresh, vibrant flavor. Overcooked basil turns sad and brown.
• Let the chicken brown properly – Those crispy golden bits add amazing depth. No stirring for at least 3 minutes after adding to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

No fresh basil? No problem! In a pinch, use 1 tablespoon dried basil—just add it with the spices instead of at the end. If you’re out of coconut milk, half-and-half with a splash of coconut extract works surprisingly well (though not quite as creamy). For spice swaps, paprika can stand in for cayenne if you want color without heat. And chicken thighs? Absolutely! They’ll give you even juicier results—just cook them a few minutes longer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—trust me, it tastes even better the next day! Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid the microwave—it can dry out the chicken.

Nutritional Information for Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice

Here’s what you’re getting in each comforting bowl (based on my typical ingredients, but brands vary!):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 24g (hello, muscle fuel!)
• Carbs: 35g (mostly from that fluffy rice)
• Fat: 22g (thank you, coconut milk)
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g (naturally occurring)

A quick heads-up—your exact numbers might shift slightly depending on your coconut milk brand or how much oil you use. But one thing’s certain: this dish packs way more flavor than those numbers suggest!

For even more tropical-inspired meals and trending weeknight favorites, browse our recipe collections on Pinterest and find endless ideas to try at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice Experience

I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Did you add extra garlic (I always do), or maybe swap in some lime zest for brightness? Drop a note below with your tweaks—everyone’s kitchen adventures make this recipe even better. Happy cooking!