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Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 jalapeño, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • Extra basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the garlic, ginger, and minced jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the turmeric, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. Toast the spices for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
  7. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), honey, and lime juice. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked and coated in the creamy sauce.
  9. Fold in the chopped basil during the final minute of cooking to preserve its fresh aroma.
  10. Spoon the chicken over warm jasmine rice and garnish generously with fresh basil before serving.
  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 545 kcal