If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5:30 p.m., tired, hungry, and wondering why everyone needs dinner every single night—this Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice is about to become your new best friend.
Warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying, this dish feels like a gentle exhale after a long day. The creamy coconut broth, tender chicken, and fluffy rice come together in a way that’s soothing without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like you’ve been cooking all day… even though you absolutely haven’t.
As someone who leans hard on one-pot dinners when life gets busy (hello, laundry piles and never-ending to-do lists), I love how this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s cozy, nourishing, and totally weeknight-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
Let’s talk about why this Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
- One-pot magic (almost!) – Less mess, fewer dishes, more time to relax.
- Comfort in a bowl – Creamy coconut milk + savory broth = instant coziness.
- Family-friendly – Mild, warm spices without overwhelming heat.
- Flexible & forgiving – Perfect for busy cooks who don’t want stress.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully – Lunch tomorrow? Already handled.
It’s especially wonderful on those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for anything complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is easy to find and budget-friendly—no specialty store required.
For the Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for topping)
For the Spices
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
For Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make One-Pot Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
This One-Pot Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice comes together in simple, manageable steps—no rushing required.
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat a little coconut oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir gently and let them sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. (This is the moment everyone wanders in asking, “What’s for dinner?”)
Step 2: Create the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Sprinkle in the curry powder and turmeric. Stir well until everything is combined and the broth takes on a warm golden color.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then nestle them right into the broth. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
While the chicken simmers, cook the rice separately according to package instructions. Jasmine rice works beautifully here, soaking up the coconut broth like a dream.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Remove the chicken, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot—or serve it sliced on top of the rice. Spoon that rich broth generously over each bowl. Finish with green onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Cooking Tips From My Kitchen to Yours
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water. Brothy rice is meant to be cozy, not stiff.
- Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Extra comfort craving? Add a drizzle of coconut milk right before serving.
- Picky eaters? Leave the garnishes on the side—everyone wins.
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, which is exactly what busy cooks need.
A Little Story From Me
I first made this Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice during one of those weeks where everything felt loud and overwhelming. Work was busy, life was busy, and dinner needed to be easy. I remember sitting down with a bowl of this, steam rising, lime squeezed on top—and feeling calmer almost instantly.
That’s when I knew it was a keeper. Food doesn’t fix everything, but a warm, comforting meal can absolutely help you breathe again.
FAQs About Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work just fine—just avoid overcooking.
Can I make this truly one-pot?
You can cook the rice directly in the broth, but add an extra ½–1 cup liquid and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the rice and broth together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
Is this freezer-friendly?
The broth and chicken freeze well. Rice can be frozen too, but it’s best freshly cooked if you have time.
When Comfort Meets Simplicity
There’s something special about a meal that feels like a hug—and Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice does exactly that. It’s warm, nourishing, and uncomplicated, which makes it perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and comforting on the table.
If you try this recipe, I hope it brings a little calm to your evening and becomes one of those dishes you come back to again and again. Cozy food doesn’t have to be complicated—and this bowl proves it
If You’re Still Craving Cozy, Try These Next
If this Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice hit the spot and you’re in the mood to keep that warm, comforting feeling going, these recipes are wonderful next stops. They follow the same easy, nourishing, dinner-made-simple vibe—perfect for busy nights when you want real food without extra effort.
- Love comforting rice bowls? You’ll feel right at home with this easy one-pot chicken and rice dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- If creamy coconut flavors are your comfort language, don’t miss this crockpot creamy coconut chicken tikka masala that’s rich and satisfying—it’s slow-cooked goodness at its finest.
- For nights when you want something soothing and spoonable, this nourishing slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup brings the same hearty, feel-good energy in every bowl.
- If you enjoyed the warming spices in this dish, you might also love this anti-inflammatory turmeric chicken soup—gentle, comforting, and perfect when you want something wholesome.
- And for a fresh take on this same cozy idea, take a peek at this coconut chicken brothy rice recipe from Nutra Organics for extra inspiration.
These are the kinds of recipes that make weeknight cooking feel calm, comforting, and completely doable—one cozy meal at a time.
Print
Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice is a cozy, comforting one-pot dinner made with tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut broth and served over fluffy rice. Simple, nourishing, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
4 cups chicken broth
1 can coconut milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
1 pound boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon curry powder
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Heat coconut oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir in curry powder and turmeric until fully combined.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
Remove the chicken, slice it into pieces, and return it to the broth if desired.
Serve the chicken and broth over rice and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
For added brightness, squeeze fresh lime juice just before serving.
Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs stay juicier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
