If you are craving a dish that truly bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of exotic warmth, then this Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Recipe is going to be your new kitchen hero. Imagine tender chicken thighs marinated in creamy coconut milk and an aromatic blend of curry, turmeric, and cumin, gently cooked with fresh basil and bell peppers for a symphony of tastes that dance on your tongue. This is comfort food elevated to a whole new level, guaranteed to make your taste buds sing and your dinner guests ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing rich flavor, silky texture, and beautiful color to the plate. These staples are easy to find but combine to create something truly spectacular.
- Chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs, boneless and skinless): Tender and flavorful, they absorb spices better than breast meat, ensuring juicy bites every time.
- Coconut milk (1 can, 13.5 oz): Adds creamy richness and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
- Curry powder (1 tablespoon): Brings depth and warm complexity with hints of coriander and turmeric.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Offers vibrant color and earthy undertones essential to the dish’s character.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Provides a smoky, nutty layer that enriches the overall flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Delivers zesty freshness and a subtle bite that cuts through the creaminess.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses warmth and pungency, a must for any satisfying savory dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing, it adds a gentle fruitiness and helps soften the veggies.
- Onion (1 large, thinly sliced): Sweetens and adds texture while caramelizing perfectly in the skillet.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds a juicy crunch and vibrant splash of color.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, loosely packed): These aromatic leaves bring a peppery freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Fish sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives an umami kick that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory depth and subtle saltiness that balances the sweetness of the coconut milk.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Injects a bright, tangy contrast that lifts the richness.
- Salt and pepper: The basics for seasoning and bringing the dish to life.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, these add a perfect punch.
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice: Essential as a fluffy, fragrant base to soak up all the luscious sauce.
How to Make Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, minced ginger, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice in a large bowl. Stir everything together until the spices meld with the creamy coconut milk, creating a fragrant, flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Then, submerge them in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, but if you have the time, marinating overnight will give you even richer, deeper flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and red bell pepper, cooking them gently until they soften and release their natural sweetness—this usually takes about 5 minutes and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, keeping the marinade aside for later. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color and are cooked through.
Step 5: Simmer with Marinade
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken in its luscious, spiced goodness.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let them wilt in the warm sauce, releasing their perfumed aroma and adding a fresh, peppery finish to the dish.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and if you love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Taste as you go—this step is all about making the dish your own.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your beautifully spiced coconut basil chicken hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, letting the rice soak up every drop of that divine sauce for a meal that’s nothing short of spectacular.
How to Serve Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the obvious choice to garnish this dish, enhancing its vibrant aroma and color. For an added pop, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or chopped peanuts to introduce a delightful crunch and extra layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
The creamy and spicy nature of this chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. For freshness, consider a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed green beans to contrast the richness and add textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken in a shallow bowl topped with fresh basil and a wedge of lime for an extra burst of brightness. Layering the chicken and sauce over coconut rice or quinoa elevates the dish and adds a subtle, sweet dimension that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second meal just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You absolutely can, but chicken thighs remain juicier and more forgiving when cooked in rich sauces like this. If using breasts, keep a close eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mildly spiced, allowing the warm flavors to shine without overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?
Fresh basil offers a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried basil can’t quite match. If you must use dried, add it earlier in cooking but know it won’t give the same fresh punch.
What type of rice works best with this dish?
Jasmine or basmati rice are perfect because of their fragrant, slightly nutty profiles, and fluffy texture which complements the creamy coconut sauce marvelously.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go. This dish is naturally gluten-free otherwise and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Recipe. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience full of comforting flavors, fresh herbs, and warm spices that feels both special and approachable. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation, turning any mealtime into a moment of joy.
Print
Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, curry powder, and aromatic spices. The chicken is sautéed with onions and bell peppers, then simmered in the marinade to create a luscious sauce infused with fresh basil. Perfectly paired with jasmine or basmati rice, this dish offers a vibrant and satisfying meal with a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Serving
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, minced ginger, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade, turning to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavor penetration.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the chicken in the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until each piece is browned and fully cooked through.
- Simmer with Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
- Add Basil Leaves: Stir in the fresh basil leaves into the skillet. Allow them to wilt in the hot sauce, imparting their aromatic flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for added heat according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the spiced coconut basil chicken hot over a bed of cooked jasmine or basmati rice for a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh basil is essential for the authentic flavor, but if unavailable, Thai basil can be used as an alternative.
- Serve immediately for best taste; leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
