Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl (Printable)

Creamy coconut rice paired with seasoned chicken and crisp vegetables, topped with fresh Thai herbs and roasted peanuts.

# What You'll Need:

→ Coconut Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
02 - 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Chicken

05 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
06 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce, gluten-free if needed
11 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
13 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Vegetables and Herbs

14 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
15 - 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
16 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
17 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, torn
19 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
20 - 1 red chili, thinly sliced, optional

→ Garnish

21 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
22 - Lime wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat chicken evenly. Remove from heat.
03 - Blanch sugar snap peas and carrots in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water to retain crisp-tender texture. Keep bell pepper raw for optimal crunch.
04 - Divide coconut rice equally among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with cooked chicken, sliced bell pepper, blanched sugar snap peas, and julienned carrot. Sprinkle with cilantro, Thai basil, green onion, and sliced chili if desired.
05 - Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over each bowl. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The creamy coconut milk elevates simple jasmine rice into a decadent base.
  • It is naturally gluten-free and packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
  • The combination of fresh Thai basil and cilantro provides an authentic, aromatic finish.
  • It's a versatile recipe that works perfectly for both a quick dinner and impressive meal prep.
02 -
  • Always let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes before fluffing; this allows the steam to distribute evenly.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if possible, as they remain much juicier during high-heat sautéing.
  • Blanching the peas and carrots briefly ensures they stay vibrant and crisp-tender rather than raw or overcooked.
  • Tear the Thai basil leaves just before serving to release their essential oils and prevent bruising.
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