Name: Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each thigh cut into 2 equal-size pieces; 2 tsp Kosher salt, divided; ½ tsp black pepper, divided; ¼ cup neutral oil (safflower or canola), divided; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger (about a 1-inch knob); 2 tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves); 2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded and chopped into ½-inch pieces; 3 scallions, green and white parts, thinly sliced (½ cup, packed); Small handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 1 ½ cups dry basmati or jasmine white rice, rinsed until water runs clear; 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk; ¾ cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped, divided; 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving; Sriracha hot sauce, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe is the kind of dish that feels both comforting and exotic at the same time. Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled on a bed of coconut-infused sticky rice, crunchy roasted cashews sprinkled throughout, and bright pops of fresh herbs and veggies bringing everything to life. This recipe delivers vibrant flavors, inviting aromas, and a texture combination that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s an easy yet impressive one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends when you want something special but fuss-free.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a white plate filled with raw chicken pieces that are light pink with some white fat. Below it, a white bowl holds finely chopped white onions. Next to it, another white bowl is filled with white uncooked rice grains. At the bottom right, a white bowl contains bright yellow diced bell peppers. To the right, a small white bowl is filled with crushed peanuts. Above it, a small jar contains clear golden liquid, likely oil. Near the top center, a small white cup holds a mix of black pepper and white salt. To its right, another small white bowl contains finely chopped yellow ginger. Below that, a small white bowl holds minced garlic. In the center, there is a small white cup with a light white liquid, likely coconut milk. A bunch of fresh green cilantro is partially visible at the bottom right corner. The overall look is clean and organized, with each ingredient bright and clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To pull off this Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe, you really just need a handful of simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one adds something special whether it’s creamy coconut richness, savory chicken goodness, or that addictive crunch from the cashews.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for browning and baking without drying out.
Neutral oil (safflower or canola): Ideal for browning chicken evenly without overpowering the flavors.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that highlights all the other ingredients.
Small onion, finely diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
Fresh ginger and garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a touch of zest that makes this dish sing.
Dry basmati or jasmine rice: These long-grain varieties absorb coconut milk beautifully, staying fluffy yet sticky.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Enriches the rice cooking liquid with savory layers.
Full-fat coconut milk: Brings creaminess and the signature tropical flavor that makes the rice sticky and irresistibly fragrant.
Yellow bell peppers, chopped: For a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
Roasted cashews, coarsely chopped: The star crunch element that adds texture and nutty flavor.
Scallions, thinly sliced: Bright green freshness that complements the coziness of the rice and chicken.
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped: Herbal brightness to finish the dish with a pop of color and freshness.
Lime wedges: A spritz of tangy citrus just before eating lifts all the flavors.
Sriracha hot sauce (optional): For a spicy kick that balances the richness and sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F. While it warms up, toss your chicken pieces with a tablespoon of oil and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heating two tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the chicken in batches until it’s golden and caramelized—about 2 ½ minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds flavor you’ll notice in every bite. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Rice

In the same pot, drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add diced onions, minced ginger, and garlic, stirring them together until their enticing aroma fills the kitchen—about 30 seconds. Then, stir in the rinsed rice, making sure each grain gets coated in that flavorful oil and aromatics combo. Toasting the rice like this elevates its nuttiness and texture.

Step 3: Combine Liquids, Veggies, and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth and creamy coconut milk next, stirring gently to mix. Toss in the chopped yellow bell peppers, half of the chopped cashews, and scallions, and season with the remaining salt and pepper. Don't forget to scrape up any browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot; those little morsels add a depth of flavor that’s pure magic. Nestle the browned chicken pieces right on top of this rice mixture, including any juices left on the plate.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Turn the heat to high briefly until the liquid comes to a boil. Cover the pot and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Let everything bake together until the liquid is fully absorbed, the rice is tender and perfectly sticky, and the chicken is cooked through—about 20 minutes. This hands-off bake gives you time to prep garnish or relax knowing dinner is practically done.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once baked, season to taste with salt and pepper. Scatter the remaining chopped cashews and fresh cilantro over the top to add a fresh, crunchy, herby finish. Serve with lime wedges for that essential citrus squeeze and a drizzle of sriracha if you crave a little heat.

How to Serve Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe

A close-up view of a pot filled with a cooked rice dish that has three main layers: soft beige pieces of cooked chicken with some herbs sprinkled on top, mixed evenly with white rice grains showing a slightly sticky texture, and bright yellow corn kernels adding small pops of color throughout. There are also small green chopped herbs scattered on top and mixed in. A wooden spoon lifts a scoop from the pot, showing a balanced mix of the ingredients. The background is white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where your personality shines. Along with chopped cilantro and cashews, don’t underestimate the power of a lime wedge to awaken and brighten the dish. A light drizzle of Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce amps up the flavor and adds a gorgeous pop of color too.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, think simple and fresh. A crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach balance the richness of the coconut rice and chicken. For a cooling and refreshing contrast, pickled vegetables or a tangy carrot slaw work wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve this Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe in beautiful shallow bowls with lime wedges artfully arranged on the side. Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced red chili threads can elevate its appearance. Alternatively, plate it family-style in a large dish with generous herb and cashew garnish to invite sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to soak up flavors, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe for longer, freezing is an option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to cool completely before sealing. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months, making it a convenient meal to pull out on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice. Cover while heating to retain moisture and prevent drying out, and sprinkle fresh herbs on top afterward to revive freshness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier during cooking, chicken breasts can work if you watch the cooking time closely to avoid dryness. Consider marinating them briefly for extra moisture.

Is basmati rice better than jasmine for this recipe?

Both basmati and jasmine rice work wonderfully. Basmati has a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer texture, while jasmine offers a delicate floral aroma and softer finish. Choose based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken thighs with firm tofu or your favorite hearty vegetable like cauliflower. Roast or pan-fry for texture before adding to the rice.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe itself is mild but bursting with flavor. Adding sriracha or another hot sauce allows you to control the heat level perfectly.

Why is rinsing the rice important?

Rinsing removes excess surface starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming gummy and helping achieve that ideal sticky but separate grain texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about this Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe — it’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to put together. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting loved ones, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give it a try soon; I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!

Sticky Coconut Rice with Chicken and Cashews Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need