🍛 Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice 🌿

A Quick Trip to Flavor Town: Perfect for Busy Weeknights or a Relaxing Weekend Dinner!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️

- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- Cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice, for serving
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce if using, and brown sugar. Stir well, then return the chicken to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and simmer for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spoon the spiced coconut basil chicken over hot rice. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a zesty kick.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎

- Calories: 350 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Proteins: 25g
- Fats: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg (varies with fish sauce use)

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡

- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of coconut milk.
- Basil can be substituted with cilantro for a different flavor profile.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Serving: 4