This dish has a beautiful balance of rich, creamy coconut flavors and the savory tenderness of the chicken, all coming together in one simple pot. The coconut milk soaks into the rice, creating a luscious, sticky texture that’s irresistible. As it simmers, the chicken releases its juices, infusing the rice with even more flavor. The subtle sweetness from the coconut combined with the savory notes of the chicken is a harmony that feels like a warm hug. The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, making it the perfect comfort food for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special family meal. You’ll love how easily it comes together with minimal prep, but the result is a dish that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day.
Key Ingredients in One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken
This dish is all about the harmonious combination of flavors that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a unique role in bringing out the best in the dish, from the rich coconut to the savory chicken and the aromatic spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
* Vegetable oil
A neutral oil to sauté the chicken and aromatics, creating a smooth base for the dish.
* Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
These thighs are perfect for slow cooking. They add juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the coconut and spices.
* Salt
A staple for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
* Black pepper
Adds a mild heat and a touch of earthiness, balancing the dish’s richness.
* Ground ginger
The warmth and slight spiciness of ginger elevate the dish with a fresh, zesty kick.
* Ground coriander
A fragrant, citrusy spice that adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
* Ground turmeric
This earthy spice not only gives the dish its gorgeous golden color but also contributes a slightly bitter warmth that complements the coconut.
* Jasmine rice
Fragrant and slightly sticky, this rice is perfect for absorbing the rich coconut milk, giving the dish its signature texture.
* Coconut milk
The star ingredient, lending a creamy, luxurious flavor that blends beautifully with the savory chicken and spices.
* Chicken broth
Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and helps create a tender, moist cooking environment.
* Brown sugar
The subtle sweetness balances out the savory and spicy notes, rounding out the flavor profile.
* Fish sauce
Adds a deep umami richness to the dish, enhancing the overall savory character without overpowering the other flavors.
* Lime juice
A splash of freshness that cuts through the richness of the coconut and chicken, brightening up the dish.
* Chopped cilantro
A burst of freshness and color, cilantro brings a herby, citrusy note that adds a lovely contrast to the rich flavors.
* Toasted coconut flakes
These add a crunchy, nutty element to the dish, enhancing the coconut flavor and giving it a beautiful texture contrast.
How to Make One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This will create the perfect base for browning the chicken and infusing the pot with flavor.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, ground ginger, ground coriander, and ground turmeric on both sides. Make sure the spices coat the chicken evenly, bringing out the savory, earthy, and slightly spicy notes that will pair perfectly with the coconut.
3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until browned. The chicken should develop a lovely golden-brown crust that will add depth of flavor to the dish.
4. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking later with the rice.
5. Add the jasmine rice to the pot and stir it around to lightly toast the rice for about 2 minutes. Toasting the rice helps to bring out its natural nuttiness and ensures it absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. The coconut milk will create a rich, creamy base, while the chicken broth adds extra savory depth to the dish.
7. Add the brown sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice to the pot, and stir to dissolve the sugar. The brown sugar will add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes, while the fish sauce provides a deep umami richness, and the lime juice adds a fresh, zesty contrast.
8. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up, ensuring they are nestled into the rice mixture. The chicken will continue to cook, allowing its juices to infuse the rice with flavor.
9. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite perfectly balanced.
10. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. The chicken should be so tender that it easily falls apart.
11. Fluff the rice with a fork, stirring to combine the rice with the coconut milk mixture. The rice should be sticky and infused with the creamy, coconut goodness.
12. Shred or chop the cooked chicken thighs and return them to the pot, mixing them into the rice. The chicken will seamlessly blend with the rice, adding juicy bites throughout the dish.
13. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes over the top before serving. These garnishes bring a burst of freshness and crunch, enhancing the dish’s texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken
– Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas. The light crunch and fresh flavor of the vegetables complement the creamy, rich coconut rice perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.
– Pair with a tangy cucumber salad. The cool, crisp texture of cucumbers, tossed with a bit of rice vinegar, sugar, and cilantro, adds a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness. It’s the perfect way to cut through the creamy coconut while adding some extra zest.
– Top with a fried egg. For an extra indulgent touch, serve a perfectly fried egg on top of the rice. The runny yolk mixes beautifully with the coconut rice, making every bite even more luxurious and satisfying.
How to Store One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken
This dish is just as delicious the next day, so it’s perfect for leftovers! Here’s how to store it to keep all those flavors intact:
– Refrigerate: Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore that creamy coconut texture.
– Freeze: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, freeze it for up to 3 months. Again, make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it thoroughly.
– Separate Storage: For the best results, you can store the rice and chicken separately. This way, the rice doesn’t become too soggy when reheated. Store each in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
There you have it – a cozy, one-pot wonder that brings together the creamy richness of coconut and the savory tenderness of chicken in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. From the fragrant spices to the sticky rice, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your weeknight rotation or special family gatherings. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor, making it the perfect dish to share with loved ones.
I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken as much as I do. If you try it out, I’d love to hear what you think! Whether you have any tweaks, questions, or feedback, feel free to share – I’m always excited to chat about food and hear how your kitchen adventures turn out. Happy cooking!
One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken
Description
This One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken is a mouthwatering fusion of tender chicken, infused with aromatic coconut milk, and perfectly cooked sticky rice. Each bite is a comforting blend of rich, savory, and subtly sweet flavors—simply irresistible!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, ground ginger, ground coriander, and ground turmeric on both sides.
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Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until browned.
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Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
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Add the jasmine rice to the pot and stir it around to lightly toast the rice for about 2 minutes.
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Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
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Add the brown sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice to the pot, and stir to dissolve the sugar.
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Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up, ensuring they are nestled into the rice mixture.
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Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
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Fluff the rice with a fork, stirring to combine the rice with the coconut milk mixture.
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Shred or chop the cooked chicken thighs and return them to the pot, mixing them into the rice.
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Sprinkle chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes over the top before serving.
Note
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s well-browned to add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a diced chili or red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
- If you don’t have jasmine rice, basmati rice can be used as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
- For a vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
