Delicious Lemongrass Chicken Rice: A Creamy Coconut Delight

Lemongrass Chicken Rice is a truly delicious, cozy, and incredibly flavor-packed meal that brings the bright, aromatic essence of Southeast Asian cuisine to your weeknight table. Imagine tender chicken thighs simmered in a velvety, rich coconut cream sauce infused with zesty lime, spicy ginger, and the signature citrusy hum of lemongrass. Served alongside fluffy jasmine rice and roasted zucchini, this dish feels sophisticated and special without being fussy or time-consuming.

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This recipe celebrates the balance of gentle heat and refreshing citrus. By utilizing the same skillet to sear the chicken and build the sauce, you capture every bit of savory flavor, ensuring a gourmet-quality result in under 30 minutes. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Feature	Benefit
Creamy & Bold	Coconut cream provides a luxurious base for the punchy lemongrass and lime.
One-Skillet Ease	Minimizes cleanup by cooking the chicken and sauce in the same pan.
Balanced Nutrition	A complete meal featuring lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh zucchini.
Versatile Cooking	Includes instructions for both the traditional stovetop and the Instant Pot.
Fragrant Aromatics	Fresh ginger and garlic create a deep, mouth-watering scent as it cooks.

An Overview of Flavors and Textures

The Lemongrass Chicken Rice is a captivating blend of creamy, citrusy, and savory flavors with beautifully varied textures.

The chicken thighs are the centerpiece, remaining juicy and tender while offering a slightly caramelized exterior from the initial sear. The lemongrass sauce provides a smooth, rich, and velvety mouthfeel, characterized by the bright and floral notes of lime zest and the sweet-savory balance of brown sugar and coconut.

For texture, the jasmine rice acts as a soft and fluffy sponge for the sauce, while the roasted zucchini coins add a tender-crisp bite. The final addition of fresh cilantro or basil provides a bright, herbal finish. This Lemongrass Chicken Rice recipe is a truly addictive blend of creamy, zesty, and savory notes.

The Star of the Show: The Aromatic Lemongrass Base

While the coconut cream provides the richness, the true defining characteristic and “star” of this Lemongrass Chicken Rice is the Aromatic Lemongrass Base. Lemongrass offers a unique, woodsy citrus profile that is deeper and more complex than lemon juice alone. When sautéed with ginger and garlic, it creates an essential foundation that cuts through the fat of the coconut cream, ensuring the dish remains vibrant and light on the palate. This aromatic technique is the secret to achieving that authentic lemongrass flavor found in world-class fusion cooking.

How to Make Your Lemongrass Chicken Rice

The key to a rich sauce is allowing the chicken to brown deeply, which leaves behind savory bits (fond) that dissolve into the coconut cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 portions

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Component	Amount	Ingredient	Notes
The Chicken:	1.5 lb	Chicken thighs	Boneless, skinless
	1 tsp	Paprika	For color and warmth
	To taste	Garlic & Onion powder	Plus salt and pepper
The Sauce:	14 oz	Unsweetened coconut cream	1 full can
	2 tbsp	Lemongrass	Or lemongrass paste
	1 inch	Fresh ginger	Grated or minced
	3 cloves	Garlic	Minced
	1	Jalapeño	Minced (optional)
	1 tbsp	Brown sugar
	1	Lime	Zest and juice
To Serve:	2 cups	Jasmine rice	Cooked
	2	Zucchini	Sliced into coins

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add garlic, jalapeño, and ginger. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemongrass and brown sugar.
3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the coconut cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add lime zest, lime juice, and salt.
4. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro or basil.
5. Veggie Side: For the zucchini, toss coins with oil and salt; roast at 450°F (230°C) for 10–15 minutes until tender.
6. Serve: Plate the chicken over warm jasmine rice with the roasted zucchini on the side.

Expert Tips for Your Chicken Rice

Category	Tip
Sauce Thickness	If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the coconut cream simmer for an extra 3–5 minutes before adding the chicken back in.
Instant Pot	For the pressure cooker method, cook everything except the coconut cream for 12 minutes on high pressure, then stir in the cream at the end.
Vegetable Swap	If you don’t have zucchini, this dish works exceptionally well with steamed broccoli or a bed of sautéed mixed greens.
Herbal Finish	Don’t skip the fresh basil or cilantro at the end; the heat of the sauce releases the herbs’ oils, providing a fresh aromatic top note.
Chicken Texture	For a more rustic, “shredded” feel, use two forks to pull the chicken apart instead of dicing it with a knife.

Conclusion: Your Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal

The Lemongrass Chicken Rice is a true delight—a perfect balance of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and tender spiced chicken. With its simple one-pan method and bold flavor profile, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy both your cravings for comfort and your need for a quick, healthy meal. Effortless to prepare and incredibly rewarding, this Lemongrass Chicken Rice recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner secret.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster. Thighs are recommended for their juiciness and ability to stand up to the simmering sauce.

Is lemongrass paste the same as fresh lemongrass?

Lemongrass paste is a convenient substitute and works perfectly in this recipe. If using fresh stalks, use only the tender white inner part and mince it very finely.

Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Coconut cream provides that signature thick, luxurious texture that defines this dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

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