Tanzanian-Style Coconut Rice with Chicken and Spiced Vegetables

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-17 · Updated 2026-04-17

A fragrant rice dish simmered in rich coconut milk with tender chicken and aromatic vegetables, finished with fresh cilantro. This East African-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs chicken breast, coconut milk, jasmine rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz chicken breast
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1.5 cups jasmine rice
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp cilantro

Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 12 oz cubed chicken breast, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups jasmine rice and 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 diced medium carrots and 1 diced medium bell pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro before serving.