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Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice Recipe

Sweet and spicy maple-glazed chicken served over creamy coconut rice with Asian-inspired flavors and aromatic garnishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 465

Ingredients
  

Spicy Maple Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Coconut Rice
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 14 oz
  • 1.25 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
Garnish
  • 3 green onions sliced thin
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 1 red chili sliced, optional
  • fresh cilantro leaves
  • lime wedges

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Wire whisk
  • Fine mesh strainer

Method
 

  1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, sugar, and bay leaf.
  2. Bring coconut rice mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  3. While rice cooks, pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic powder, ginger, cayenne, and paprika to create the glaze.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Flip chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until second side is golden and chicken is nearly cooked through.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the maple glaze over the chicken, turning pieces to coat evenly.
  8. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, turning chicken occasionally, until glaze thickens and caramelizes, and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Remove coconut rice from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and fluff with a fork.
  10. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow glaze to set slightly.
  11. Slice chicken into strips if desired, or serve whole pieces over beds of coconut rice.
  12. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the chicken and rice.
  13. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves.
  14. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for additional brightness.
  15. Provide sliced red chilies on the side for guests who want extra heat.

Notes

Use pure maple syrup for best flavor. Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor.