If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting in every bite, and incredibly easy to make, you’re going to love this One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe. With tender chicken pieces simmered alongside aromatic jasmine rice soaked in rich coconut milk and a touch of savory sauces, this recipe offers the perfect harmony of creamy, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy tones. It’s a cozy meal that feels special but comes together in just one pot, making it a total winner for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of creamy texture, fragrant aroma, and hearty taste. Each one plays a key role in bringing the One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe to life.
- 2 cups jasmine rice: The star grain that provides a velvety sticky texture and fragrant aroma.
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk: Adds creamy richness and subtle sweetness to the rice.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Enhances depth and savory flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a salty umami kick that balances the sweetness of coconut.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Adds authentic Southeast Asian complexity and savory depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and a subtle bite.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Fresh ginger gives a bright, zesty counterpoint to creamy coconut.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances that sticky, caramelized undertone in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For those who want a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnishing: Adds fresh, vibrant contrast just before serving.
- Lime wedges, for serving: A zesty pop of acidity to brighten every bite.
How to Make One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Jasmine Rice
Start by thoroughly rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This simple step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy and helping achieve that perfect sticky texture without being mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. This aromatic base creates a flavorful foundation for the chicken and rice to soak into.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and season them with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat. Cook the chicken until it becomes lightly browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps lock in juices and builds savory depth that infuses the whole dish.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Next, stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, making sure each grain is well coated and mixed with the chicken and aromatics. This step ensures every spoonful will be packed with flavor.
Step 5: Pour in Liquids and Seasonings
Combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar in the pot, stirring everything together until well combined. These liquids infuse the rice with rich coconut creaminess, umami complexity, and subtle sweetness, which makes the dish irresistible.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes without lifting the lid, so the rice can absorb all the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender.
Step 7: Rest the Rice
After cooking, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This resting step allows the grains to firm up and become even stickier, giving you that beautifully luscious texture everyone will admire.
Step 8: Fluff and Garnish
Finally, use a fork to gently fluff the rice and chicken mixture. Top with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions to add a fresh burst of color and brightness. Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top, adding zesty freshness that perfectly balances the creamy richness.
How to Serve One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions bring a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. Lime wedges are a must-have as the bright citrus juice adds a lively contrast that awakens the flavors with every squeeze.
Side Dishes
To complement this hearty and flavorful main, pair it with crunchy Asian-style slaw or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli. Their crisp texture and subtle bitterness provide an excellent balance to the creamy sticky rice and tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe in individual coconut shells or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, eye-catching presentation. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch and texture variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh the creamy texture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the rice or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and be prepared for a chewier texture than traditional sticky jasmine rice.
Is chicken breast a good substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well but can dry out faster, so watch the cooking time carefully and avoid overcooking for juicy results.
Can I make this dish in a rice cooker?
This recipe is best made on the stovetop in a single pot for better control over the browning and sautéing steps, but you can adapt it for a rice cooker by sautéing the aromatics and chicken first, then adding rice and liquids to cook.
What can I do if I want this dish less spicy?
Simply omit the chili flakes or reduce the amount to suit your taste. The dish remains full of flavor and delicious without the heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce for a fully plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like the cozy comfort and bold flavors of this One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that brings together creamy coconut, fragrant jasmine rice, and tender chicken in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab your pot and dive into this delicious, fuss-free meal—you deserve it!
Print
One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This One Pot Sticky Coconut Rice & Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a comforting meal. Aromatic jasmine rice is cooked along with tender chicken pieces in creamy coconut milk, enriched with garlic, ginger, soy and fish sauces, and a touch of brown sugar, yielding a deliciously sticky and fragrant rice. Garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions and served with lime wedges, this recipe brings a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors all in one pot.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquids
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnishing
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky.
- Heat Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Cook the chicken while stirring occasionally until it is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice to combine it with the chicken and aromatics evenly in the pot.
- Add Liquids and Sauces: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the steam trapped for even cooking.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to settle and become stickier.
- Fluff and Serve: Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains without breaking them up too much.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side to add a bright citrusy kick.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is essential to remove excess starch and achieve the perfect sticky texture.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the chili flakes.
- Don’t lift the lid while simmering to prevent steam from escaping and ensure even cooking.
- Resting the rice after cooking helps it become stickier and more flavorful.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch and freshness.
