Chicken And Coconut Rice With Maple Sauce

The perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy, this Spicy Maple Chicken with Coconut Rice is a flavor-packed dish that comes together in just over 30 minutes. Juicy, tender chicken is glazed with a bold maple-sriracha sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. Pair it with aromatic jasmine rice simmered in rich coconut milk for a cozy, indulgent experience.

This dish is a must-try for fans of bold, exciting flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re prepping dinner for your family or spicing up your meal prep routine, it delivers big on taste without complicating your kitchen workflow. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 1 cup canned coconut milk

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through.

4. Pour the maple glaze over the chicken, reduce heat, and let simmer for 6-8 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the chicken until it thickens and becomes sticky. Remove from heat.

5. While the chicken is cooking, rinse jasmine rice under cold water.

6. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

7. Serve glazed chicken over a bed of coconut rice, topped with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Sweet Heat Meets Creamy Comfort: Spicy Maple Chicken with Coconut Rice

Some recipes hit that perfect trifecta: simple to make, bold in flavor, and beautifully balanced. Spicy Maple Chicken with Coconut Rice is exactly that kind of dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or entertaining friends over the weekend, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing combination of heat, sweetness, and comfort that’s hard to resist.

This dish brings together two culinary stars: a sticky-sweet chicken glaze infused with sriracha and maple syrup, and a creamy coconut rice base that’s as fragrant as it is comforting. Together, they create a flavor profile that’s bold yet balanced, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy with a tropical flair.

Let’s explore what makes this dish so special, and why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens around the world.

Origins of the Flavor Fusion

The magic of this recipe lies in its cultural blending. The concept of sweet and spicy glazes for chicken is popular in many cuisines, from Korean gochujang marinades to American-style hot honey chicken. The maple syrup element gives it a North American soul, while sriracha and soy sauce nod toward Southeast Asian heat and umami.

Coconut rice, meanwhile, is a staple in many tropical cuisines, including Thai, Caribbean, and Polynesian cooking. It’s traditionally made with jasmine or basmati rice simmered in coconut milk, sometimes with the addition of lime, lemongrass, or pandan for aroma. In this version, the rice acts as the perfect creamy foil to the punchy chicken.

When you bring these two together on a plate, glazed chicken and silky rice, you’re not just serving dinner. You’re serving layers of culinary heritage and global inspiration in every bite.

The Chicken: Sweet, Sticky, Spicy

Let’s talk about the star of the plate: that glossy, maple-glazed chicken.

The glaze is a simple blend of pantry staples: maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, and fresh ginger. The maple syrup offers deep, earthy sweetness. Soy sauce brings saltiness and depth. Sriracha gives it a mild to medium spice kick that warms rather than overwhelms. Garlic and ginger add aromatic complexity and that slight tingle on the tongue.

We use chicken thighs here because they stay juicy and tender even under high heat, but you can also use chicken breasts or even wings. The chicken is seared to create that crisp golden exterior, then simmered in the glaze until it thickens and coats the meat like lacquer.

This caramelization is key. As the sugars in the syrup cook down, they cling to the chicken, intensifying in flavor. The result is a sticky, shiny glaze that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy.

Want to kick it up another notch? Add a squeeze of lime or a splash of rice vinegar to the glaze for acidity or toss in a few chili flakes for more fire.

The Coconut Rice: Silky, Creamy, and Aromatic

No spicy chicken is complete without something creamy and comforting to pair it with and coconut rice is just the thing.

Instead of boiling rice in plain water, we use a mixture of coconut milk and water. The result? Rice that’s infused with gentle sweetness and a rich, creamy texture that makes each bite almost melt in your mouth.

Jasmine rice is ideal here because of its floral aroma and slightly sticky texture, but you could also substitute basmati or even sushi rice if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to rinse the rice well before cooking, it removes excess starch and helps the grains stay separate and fluffy.

This coconut rice is intentionally left simple, with just a pinch of salt. That way, it balances the complex flavors of the chicken without competing. You can, of course, elevate it further with additions like lime zest, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped cilantro.

Nutritional Balance & Modifications

This dish is surprisingly balanced in nutrients, making it great for weeknight meals or meal prep.

• Protein: The chicken provides high-quality protein, keeping you full and satisfied.

• Healthy Fats: Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that may support brain and energy function.

• Complex Carbs: The jasmine rice provides sustained energy, and if you want a fiber boost, consider mixing in some brown rice or quinoa.

• Low Dairy, Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (just double-check your soy sauce or use tamari if needed), this recipe is friendly for a wide range of dietary needs.

If you’re looking to lighten it up, swap out a portion of the coconut milk with vegetable broth or use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. You could also use air-fried or baked chicken if you’re watching your oil intake.

Toppings & Serving Ideas

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but toppings can really take it to the next level.

• Chopped scallions bring freshness and a bit of sharpness.

• Sesame seeds add crunch and a subtle nuttiness.

• Lime wedges make a great garnish and add a splash of acidity to cut through the richness.

• Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can elevate the dish with fragrance and color.

Want to turn this into a complete Asian-inspired bowl? Add quick-pickled cucumbers, sautéed bok choy, or edamame on the side. Or top with a fried egg for a Korean-style twist.

You can also double the glaze and use it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over roasted veggies or tofu. It’s that versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Quick and easy: 35 minutes from start to finish
✅ Bold, balanced flavor: Sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory
✅ Family-friendly: Adjust spice level to suit all palates
✅ Meal prep-friendly: Stores well in the fridge or freezer
✅ Visually stunning: Great for social shares or dinner parties

Whether you’re a home cook looking to impress or someone new to the kitchen, this is a dish that looks gourmet but feels accessible.

Conclusion: A Global Favorite Worth Repeating

There’s something magical about a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Spicy Maple Chicken with Coconut Rice brings that magic to your table. It hits all the right notes, savory, sweet, spicy, and creamy, while remaining simple enough to make any night of the week.

This is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your rotation. You’ll find yourself craving it again and again, tweaking it slightly each time based on your mood or pantry, and loving every single bite.

So grab your skillet, simmer that glaze, and treat yourself to a dinner that delivers flavor in every forkful.