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Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice

Tender chicken glazed in sweet-spicy maple sauce served over creamy coconut rice, perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Spicy Maple Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
Coconut Rice
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1.25 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut optional
Garnish
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • fresh cilantro leaves
  • lime wedges
  • sliced avocado

Equipment

  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes.
  2. Prepare marinade by whisking together maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, salt, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a large bowl.
  3. Add chicken thighs to marinade, coating well. Marinate 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated.
  4. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve liquid) and cook 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  5. Pour reserved marinade into small saucepan. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, add to marinade. Bring to boil and simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  6. Brush cooked chicken with thickened glaze, allowing to caramelize 1-2 minutes in pan.
  7. Fluff coconut rice with fork, stir in shredded coconut if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Slice glazed chicken and serve over coconut rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado.

Notes

For less heat, reduce cayenne to 1/4 tsp. For more heat, add minced jalapeño to marinade. Rice can be made ahead and reheated with splash of coconut milk. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.