Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Sweet Plates

This vibrant bowl combines aromatic coconut rice with tender seasoned chicken, crisp vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas, and fragrant Thai herbs including cilantro and basil. The balance of savory fish sauce, bright lime juice, and subtle sweetness creates an authentic Thai dining experience at home.

Updated on Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:41:51 GMT
Freshly cooked Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl with fluffy coconut rice, tender chicken, and vibrant crisp vegetables, topped with herbs and peanuts. Save to Pinterest
Freshly cooked Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl with fluffy coconut rice, tender chicken, and vibrant crisp vegetables, topped with herbs and peanuts. | calmsukkar.com

Transport your senses to the heart of Southeast Asia with this Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl. This dish is a masterclass in balance, combining the creamy, comforting texture of coconut-infused jasmine rice with the bold, savory notes of ginger-garlic chicken and the refreshing crunch of blanched vegetables.

Freshly cooked Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl with fluffy coconut rice, tender chicken, and vibrant crisp vegetables, topped with herbs and peanuts. Save to Pinterest
Freshly cooked Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl with fluffy coconut rice, tender chicken, and vibrant crisp vegetables, topped with herbs and peanuts. | calmsukkar.com

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The aromatic blend of Thai basil and cilantro, paired with the zesty lime juice, creates a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk. It is a vibrant bowl that looks just as good as it tastes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • Coconut Rice: 1 cup jasmine rice (rinsed), 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (bite-sized), 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free), 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, juice of 1 lime.
  • Vegetables & Herbs: 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup sugar snap peas (trimmed), 1 julienned medium carrot, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup torn Thai basil leaves, 2 thinly sliced green onions, 1 optional thinly sliced red chili.
  • Garnish: 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, extra lime wedges.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coconut Rice
In a 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 tender. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through (6-7 minutes). Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
Blanch sugar snap peas and carrots in boiling water for 1 minute; drain and rinse under cold water. Keep the red bell pepper raw to maintain its crunch.
4. Assemble and Garnish
Divide coconut rice among 4 bowls. Top with chicken, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Sprinkle with cilantro, Thai basil, green onion, and chili if desired. Top with chopped peanuts and serve with lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure you use a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid for the rice to steam properly. Using a large skillet or wok for the chicken allows for better heat distribution, ensuring the meat sears beautifully without steaming in its own juices.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

To create a vegetarian version of this bowl, simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes and replace the fish sauce with an equal amount of soy sauce. You can also adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sliced red chili used in the assembly.

Serviervorschläge

This aromatic meal pairs beautifully with a crisp, chilled Riesling or a traditional Thai iced tea. The slight sweetness of these beverages complements the herbal Thai basil and the creamy coconut rice perfectly.

Garnished Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl ready to serve, featuring juicy chicken, colorful snap peas, and fresh cilantro with lime wedges. Save to Pinterest
Garnished Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl ready to serve, featuring juicy chicken, colorful snap peas, and fresh cilantro with lime wedges. | calmsukkar.com

Whether you are looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a vibrant dish to impress, this Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl is a satisfying and flavorful choice that brings the best of Thai cuisine to your table. Enjoy the fusion of fresh herbs and creamy coconut in every spoonful!

Recipe Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with firm tofu and replace fish sauce with additional soy sauce or vegetarian fish sauce alternative.

How spicy is this bowl?

Mild to medium heat depending on whether you include the optional red chili. Adjust spice level by adding more or less fresh chili.

What rice works best?

Jasmine rice is traditional and absorbs the coconut milk beautifully. Basmati or long-grain white rice are suitable alternatives.

Can I prepare components ahead?

Yes, cook rice and chicken up to 2 days ahead. Store separately and reheat gently. Prepare vegetables fresh for best texture.

Is this gluten-free?

Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free soy sauce. Verify all condiments are certified gluten-free if avoiding gluten.

What protein alternatives work?

Shrimp, beef strips, or roasted chickpeas complement these flavors well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

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Thai Chicken Coconut Bowl

Creamy coconut rice with savory chicken and fresh Thai vegetables

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Elaine Mercer


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Thai

Total Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Needs No Dairy

List of Ingredients

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

01 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
05 1 tablespoon fish sauce
06 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 1 teaspoon brown sugar
08 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
09 Juice of 1 lime

Vegetables & Herbs

01 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
02 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, torn
06 2 green onions, thinly sliced
07 1 red chili, thinly sliced

Garnish

01 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
02 Lime wedges

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Coconut Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 02

Cook the Chicken: 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 frequently, until golden and cooked through, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat chicken evenly. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Prepare the Vegetables: Blanch sugar snap peas and carrots in boiling water for 1 minute; drain and rinse under cold water to maintain crisp-tender texture. Keep bell pepper raw to preserve crunch.

Step 04

Assemble the Bowls: Divide coconut rice evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with cooked chicken, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, and julienned carrot. Sprinkle with cilantro, Thai basil, green onion, and sliced red chili.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over each bowl. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

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Tools Needed

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board and chef's knife
  • Small bowl for blanching vegetables

Allergy Details

Review the ingredients for any allergens and consult your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains peanuts in garnish
  • Contains soy in soy sauce
  • Contains fish in fish sauce
  • May contain gluten in standard soy sauce; use gluten-free alternative if required

Nutrition Per Serving

These nutrition details are for reference only and don’t take the place of professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 525
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 29 g

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