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Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice: A Flavorful Comfort Dish


  • Author: Hannah

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the coconut basil sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For serving:

 

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • Extra basil leaves for garnish
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken – In a bowl, toss the chicken with paprika, cumin, turmeric, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce – In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and honey, stirring well.
  4. Simmer and combine – Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir in the fresh basil. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Serve – Spoon the chicken and sauce over warm jasmine rice. Garnish with extra basil leaves and lime wedges.

 

Enjoy this creamy, aromatic dish with a perfect balance of spice, coconut richness, and fresh basil flavor! 🍛🌿