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
Scale
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.
