A rich, creamy, and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken simmered in spiced coconut sauce, infused with fresh basil and served over fluffy rice. 🍛🔥
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red chili (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for a thinner sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, balances flavors)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil or sweet basil)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati)
- 1 ¾ cups water or coconut milk for extra flavor
- ½ tsp salt
For Garnish:
- Extra fresh basil leaves
- Lime wedges
- Sliced red chili (optional for heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, bring water (or coconut milk) to a boil, add rice and salt, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Coconut Sauce:
- In the same pan, add onion, garlic, ginger, and red chili. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce (or fish sauce), lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves and let them wilt into the sauce.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the spicy basil coconut chicken over warm jasmine rice.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves, lime wedges, and sliced chili for extra heat.
🔥 Spicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal! 😊🍛
