A quick and easy skillet dinner featuring sticky, sweet-heat chicken served over fragrant coconut rice, perfect for weeknight meals and meal prep.
Author:maddie-thompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet
Cuisine:Asian-inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tsp salt, divided
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sriracha, or more to taste
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the coconut rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Prepare the chicken: While the rice cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Pour the maple syrup mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the coconut rice into bowls. Top with the spicy maple chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra spice, add more sriracha to the sauce.
You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.