Mediterranean Coconut White Rice with Creamy Sauce Chicken
Tender chicken cooked in a luscious Mediterranean-style creamy sauce, served over fragrant coconut-infused white rice. A comforting yet elegant dish, blending subtle coconut sweetness with rich, savory flavors.
Prep & Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Coconut White Rice:
1 cup basmati or long-grain white rice
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tsp olive oil or butter
1/2 tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce Chicken:
400g (about 2 small breasts) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for extra richness)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Coconut Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
In a medium pot, combine rice, coconut milk, water, olive oil, 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.
Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked (about 4-5 minutes).
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft (3-4 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the partially cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
4. Serve:
Plate the coconut rice and spoon the creamy sauce chicken over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips:
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or turmeric to the rice while cooking.
Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a fully dairy-free version.
You can add sautéed spinach or peas to the sauce for extra veggies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g