I’m so excited to share my recipe for Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice! This dish is a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that come together beautifully. Not only is it satisfying, but it also brings a touch of adventure to our dinner table.
Whenever I make this, I think of my dad, James. He used to spice things up in the kitchen, always encouraging me to try new flavors. This recipe reminds me of those fun cooking sessions we shared.
What You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Bringing It All Together
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and chili flakes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s well coated.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the coconut rice. In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to enhance its flavor.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside the spicy maple chicken, drizzling additional sauce over the chicken if desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a fresh burst.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
You can change the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want a different protein. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or chili flakes. You can also experiment with brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice for a healthier twist. Adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the rice can give it extra color and nutrition.
How We Love to Serve It
I love serving Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice on cozy nights with family. It pairs perfectly with a light green salad and some lime wedges on the side. This dish is also great for dinner parties; everyone loves the combination of flavors and the beautiful presentation.
A Few Tips For Success
Make sure to sear the chicken well to lock in the flavors and juices. Letting the chicken rest before serving helps keep it moist. Also, taste the marinade before adding it to ensure it’s just the right balance for your preference. If you plan to make the dish ahead of time, consider marinading the chicken for a few hours or overnight for an even deeper flavor.
Saving Some For Later
This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice to keep it fluffy.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you give this Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice a try. It’s a dish full of warmth and flavor that brings back so many cherished memories. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Your Questions, Answered
What can I use instead of chicken in the Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice?
You can easily swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even vegetables like eggplant or zucchini. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Can I make Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors will meld nicely if you allow the chicken to marinate longer.
How spicy is the Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice?
The spiciness mainly comes from the sriracha and chili flakes. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your taste or use milder options if you prefer a less spicy dish.
Print
Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice is perfect for cozy nights and dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and chili flakes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s well coated.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the coconut rice. In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to enhance its flavor.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside the spicy maple chicken, drizzling additional sauce over the chicken if desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a fresh burst.
Notes
You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein. Adjust the spice level by reducing sriracha or chili flakes as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Spicy Chicken, Maple Chicken, Coconut Rice, Dinner, Fusion Recipe