Sticky Coconut Chicken and Rice

April 17, 2025

This tropical-inspired dish is a harmony of sweet, savory, and fragrant flavors. Tender chicken thighs are glazed in a sticky soy-coconut sauce and served over fluffy jasmine rice cooked in rich coconut milk. A weeknight dinner that feels like a vacation on a plate.

Sticky Coconut Chicken and Rice

🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)

For the Rice:

  • 1½ cups jasmine rice
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1½ cups water
  • ½ tsp salt

Optional Garnishes:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges

🔥 Instructions

Make the Coconut Rice:
In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Let it sit off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Sear the Chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the thighs for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Simmer the Sauce:
In the same skillet, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Add and Cook the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally to coat, until the chicken is tender and the sauce begins to thicken. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 more minutes.

Serve and Garnish:
Spoon coconut rice onto plates and top with sticky chicken and sauce. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Sticky Coconut Chicken and Rice

  • 🥥 Coconut Milk — A pantry essential for creamy rice and rich sauces.
  • 🍚 Jasmine Rice — Fragrant and fluffy, the perfect base for sticky chicken.
  • 🍳 Nonstick Skillet — Even heat and easy cleanup for caramelizing the sauce.
  • 🧄 Microplane Grater — Great for fresh ginger and garlic prep in seconds.
  • 🌿 Toasted Sesame Seeds — Add crunch and nutty flavor to your finished dish.

💡 Helpful Tip: Don’t rush the sauce—let it simmer slowly with the chicken so it reduces and clings beautifully. Leftover sauce is also delicious drizzled over roasted veggies or noodles!