If Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice sounds like something you’d order at a cute little spot you found on a “treat yourself” night… you’re not wrong. But the best part? You can make it at home in a medium pot, in comfy socks, while pretending the laundry pile doesn’t exist. (I see you. I am you.)
This is the kind of meal that saves a weekday. It’s warm, creamy, lightly spicy, and somehow tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. It’s also perfect for busy days, picky-eater negotiations, or when you just want dinner to feel like a hug.
Let’s make the magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
- One pot for the broth + chicken (your sink will thank you).
- Creamy coconut milk + zingy lime = cozy and bright.
- Chicken thighs stay juicy even if you get distracted (by emails… or TikTok… or life).
- It’s customizable: mild, spicy, extra herby, extra brothy—choose your own adventure.
- Leftovers are even better the next day. Like, suspiciously better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Broth
- Coconut oil – Adds richness and a light coconut flavor (olive oil works too).
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp, grated) – Warm and cozy; sub ½ tsp ground ginger if needed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Because garlic makes everything behave better.
- Thai red curry paste (¼ cup, preservative-free) – Depth, spice, and that “wow what is this?” flavor.
- Chicken bone broth concentrate (2 tbsp) – Savory boost (use stock or broth if needed).
- Boiling water (½ cup) – Helps dissolve and blend the concentrate.
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 can, 13.5 oz) – The creamy base (light coconut milk works, just less rich).
- Fish sauce (1 tsp) – A tiny splash that makes it taste restaurant-level (soy sauce is a backup).
- Juice of 1 lime – Brightens everything up (apple cider vinegar works in a pinch).
For the Chicken & Toppings
- Chicken thighs (5, fat trimmed) – Juicy and tender (breast works if you prefer lean).
- Jasmine rice (1.5 cups) – Fluffy, fragrant, perfect with broth (basmati is fine too).
- Chopped spring onions – Fresh crunch on top.
- Coriander (cilantro) – Freshness and aroma (parsley if cilantro tastes like soap to you—no judgment).
- Lime wedges (optional) – Extra zing at the table.
- Chili oil (optional, 2 tsp) – Heat lovers, this is your moment.
How to Make Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sauté the flavor base
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and softened.
Your kitchen will smell like you absolutely have your life together. Enjoy that moment.
Step 2: Build the broth
Stir in the Thai red curry paste and mix for about 30 seconds so it blooms in the oil.
Then add:
- bone broth concentrate
- boiling water
- coconut milk
- fish sauce
- lime juice
Stir well until everything looks smooth and creamy. If it looks a little swirly at first, don’t panic—coconut milk can be dramatic. It settles down.
Step 3: Simmer the chicken
Add the chicken thighs right into the pot. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Cook the rice
While the chicken simmers, cook your jasmine rice according to the package instructions.
Tip from my kitchen: fluff it with a fork and keep the lid on. Rice likes to stay warm and feel important.
Step 5: Slice the chicken
Remove the cooked chicken and slice into bite-sized strips (or shred it if that’s your vibe). If you like it extra tender, shredding is dreamy.
Step 6: Assemble your bowls
Spoon rice into bowls. Ladle over that gorgeous creamy broth. Top with chicken.
Now garnish like you mean it:
- spring onions
- coriander (cilantro)
- chili oil (optional, but highly recommended if you like heat)
- lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze
And that’s it—Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice, ready to make you feel like dinner is the best part of the day.
Aneta’s Cozy Tips (So It Turns Out Perfect)
- Want it less spicy? Use less curry paste (try 2 tablespoons to start), or swap in a milder curry paste.
- Want it thicker? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end to reduce the broth slightly.
- Want it brothier? Add a splash more water or stock. This dish is very forgiving.
- Fish sauce fear? Don’t worry—it won’t taste “fishy.” It just makes everything taste more savory. Like the broth got a glow-up.
- If your broth looks separated: Stir gently and keep it at a low simmer. Coconut milk doesn’t love being aggressively boiled. Same, honestly.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
This recipe became my go-to after one of those weeks where everything felt loud—work, errands, texts, you name it. I wanted something comforting but still bright and fresh, not heavy in a “now I need a nap at 7pm” way.
The first time I made it, my family went oddly quiet at the table—the good kind of quiet. Then someone asked, “Can we have this again tomorrow?” And that’s when I knew Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice had officially joined the “repeat recipes” club. The highest honor in any busy home.

FAQs About Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works fine—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. Thighs stay juicier, but breast is great if you want leaner.
Can I make Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the rice and broth/chicken separately if you can. Rice loves soaking up liquid like it’s getting paid for it.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the broth and chicken for up to 2–3 months. Rice is freezer-friendly too, but the texture can soften a bit. If you’re picky about rice texture, make fresh rice when you reheat.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
Basmati rice works beautifully. You can also use brown rice (it just takes longer). Even cauliflower rice is fine if you want low-carb—just spoon the broth over it.
Bring the Bowl-Hug Energy
Some meals are just dinner. But Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice is comfort you can taste—creamy, cozy, bright, and just spicy enough to feel exciting without starting a family debate at the table.
If you make it, add extra lime, don’t skip the herbs if you can help it, and definitely give that chili oil a try if you like a little heat. This is the kind of recipe that makes a regular night feel a little special—no fancy plans required.
Now go enjoy your Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice… and yes, it’s totally acceptable to sip the broth straight from the bowl when no one’s looking. (I won’t tell.)
Dinner Ideas You’ll Want Again
If this Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice just earned a spot in your comfort-food hall of fame, don’t stop here—there are more warm, spoonable, weeknight-friendly favorites waiting for you. Here are a few recipes that bring the same cozy energy (and taste like you totally had it together all along).
- One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken – Bright, creamy, and super easy—perfect when you want that coconut-and-lime magic again without a sink full of dishes.
- Thai Chicken Curry Soup – If you loved the curry vibes in the broth, this one is a warm, flavorful bowl that feels like a mini reset after a long day.
- Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup – Comfort to the max—creamy, filling, and exactly what you make when the day has been… a lot.
- Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl – Same delicious theme, different vibe: hearty, satisfying, and great when you want dinner that feels like takeout (but better).
If you try this recipe (or any of these!), I’d love to hear what you think. Scroll down and leave a ★★★★★ review—your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner!
Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice is a cozy, creamy bowl of coconut-lime curry broth with tender chicken and fluffy jasmine rice—easy, comforting, and weeknight-friendly.
Ingredients
For the broth
-
1 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
-
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
-
2 tbsp chicken bone broth concentrate (or use 2 cups prepared chicken broth instead of concentrate + water)
-
1/2 cup boiling water
-
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (or light coconut milk)
-
1 tsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
-
Juice of 1 lime
For the bowls
-
5 chicken thighs, trimmed (boneless/skinless recommended)
-
1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
-
Spring onions, chopped (garnish)
-
Fresh coriander/cilantro (garnish)
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Chili oil, optional (about 2 tsp)
-
Lime wedges, optional (to serve)
Instructions
-
Sauté aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
-
Build the broth: Stir in red curry paste. Cook 30 seconds, then add bone broth concentrate, boiling water, coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice. Stir until smooth.
-
Cook the chicken: Add chicken thighs. Cover, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to medium-low. Cook about 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Cook the rice: While chicken simmers, cook jasmine rice according to package directions.
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Slice and serve: Remove chicken and slice (or shred). Spoon rice into bowls, ladle broth over top, and add chicken.
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Garnish: Top with spring onions and cilantro. Add chili oil and extra lime wedges if you like.
Notes
Milder version: Use 2 tbsp curry paste to start, then add more to taste.
More broth: Add an extra 1/2–1 cup water or chicken broth.
No fish sauce? Soy sauce works, but start with 1/2 tsp and taste.
Storage: Keep rice and broth separate if possible. Refrigerate 3–4 days. Add a splash of water/broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 698 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg