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Flavorful Maple Chicken and Coconut Rice Recipe for Dinner

maple chicken - featured image

Tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sticky-sweet maple sauce, paired with fluffy, aromatic coconut-infused rice. Perfect for cozy dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: chopped cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to prepare the chicken marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Reserve the other half for later. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the skillet. Discard the used marinade.
  5. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
  6. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Spoon the glaze over the chicken to coat well.
  7. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside. Adjust seasoning if desired.
  8. Plate the coconut rice and top it with the glazed chicken. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for garnish. Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.

Notes

[‘Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.’, ‘Monitor the glaze while simmering to prevent burning; add water if it thickens too quickly.’, ‘Use jasmine rice for best results, but basmati can be substituted for a nuttier flavor.’, ‘Toast coconut flakes for added flavor and crunch.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: maple chicken, coconut rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, family meal, chicken recipe, sweet and savory, weeknight dinner