If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s both vibrant and impossibly creamy, this Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli is a total dream come true. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs slowly simmered in a velvety coconut curry sauce, perched atop bouncy rice noodles, and paired with bright green broccoli. It’s the kind of dish that’s both soothing and exciting, making weeknight dinners genuinely special yet still simple enough to pull off after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli is how each ingredient brings something unique to the table—richness, color, crunch, or warming spice. Here’s what you’ll need for a meal that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary adventure.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ultra-juicy and stay tender after braising, creating a luscious base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: Either oil works for searing the chicken and adding richness, but coconut oil gives a little extra tropical flair.
- Onion: Chopped onion creates a sweet-savoriness that anchors the coconut sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and a punch of flavor that melds perfectly with the ginger.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brightens the dish with its signature zing and heat.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is the heart of the sauce—silky, creamy, and so satisfying.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and thins out the sauce just enough so it soaks into the noodles.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Brings umami and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Brown Sugar or Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the spice and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Curry Powder: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that transform the sauce into something magical.
- Ground Turmeric (optional): Use this for a gorgeous golden hue and that unmistakable subtle flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: A must for seasoning every element to perfection.
- Rice Noodles: Their soft, chewy texture catches every drop of that coconut curry sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: Steamed or blanched, they add color and a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Sesame Oil (optional): Toss the noodles or broccoli with a drizzle for an irresistibly nutty aroma.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped for a refreshing, herbal finish.
- Lime Wedges: A little squeeze of lime brightens up every serving.
- Crushed Peanuts or Cashews (optional): For a delightful pop of crunch and extra texture on top.
How to Make Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start things off by heating olive or coconut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs for 4 to 5 minutes on each side with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step adds a subtle caramelized flavor and locks in the juices that make Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli so irresistible. Set the browned chicken aside for now.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Follow with the garlic and ginger, and let them get wonderfully fragrant for another minute. Those aromatics are the foundation for a sauce that you’ll want to scoop up with every last noodle!
Step 3: Add Your Spices and Sweetness
Sprinkle in the curry powder, optional turmeric, and brown sugar or honey. Let the spices bloom for just a minute. This is when your kitchen truly starts to smell amazing—warm, spicy, and a little bit sweet.
Step 4: Create the Coconut Curry Sauce
Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and soy sauce or tamari. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. These elements meld into a sauce that’s both rich and nuanced, a true star in Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli.
Step 5: Braise the Chicken
Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and turn the heat to low. Let everything simmer away for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken becomes super tender, soaking up all those lovely coconutty, spicy, and savory flavors.
Step 6: Prepare the Rice Noodles and Broccoli
While the chicken works its magic, cook the rice noodles according to package directions and drain them well. Blanch or steam the broccoli florets until bright green and just tender—about 3 to 4 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, toss the broccoli or noodles with a swirl of sesame oil for extra flavor.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Dish
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it to a plate and shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Slide it back into the coconut curry sauce and give everything a good stir. That luscious sauce coats every strand of noodle and piece of chicken.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Divide those satisfying rice noodles into bowls or plates, ladle the saucy, coconut-braised chicken on top, add your emerald-green broccoli, and get ready for the best part—garnishing!
How to Serve Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli
Garnishes
The final flourish for Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli comes with a shower of fresh cilantro, a generous squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews if you love a bit of crunch. These simple garnishes transform each plate into something truly fresh and inviting with pops of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can round out your meal with sliced cucumbers, a crisp green salad, or even Thai spring rolls for a fun appetizer. Mild pickled vegetables also work wonders by cutting through the rich coconut sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful by layering everything in deep bowls for the ultimate comfort food vibe, or swirling the rice noodles into nests before topping with chicken and sauce. For parties, serve the components “DIY noodle bar” style and let everyone customize their own Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to. Just be sure to keep the noodles and sauce separate if possible to avoid soggy noodles.
Freezing
The coconut-braised chicken with its sauce freezes beautifully for up to three months. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, but skip freezing the rice noodles (they don’t hold up as well). Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and coconut sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until hot. If the sauce thickens up, add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to loosen it. Prepare fresh rice noodles and broccoli for the best texture, then plate everything up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Though chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy during the slow braising, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will also work. Just be careful not to overcook them so they remain moist.
What’s the best way to steam broccoli?
The quickest way is to blanch the florets in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer them immediately to ice water to keep their vibrant color and perfect crunch. Steaming also works well; just cook until fork-tender.
Is Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free, this dish can be enjoyed by anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The coconut curry sauce still delivers bold, beautiful flavor in every bite.
What vegetables can I add or swap in?
This dish is endlessly adaptable. Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, baby spinach, or even shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. Just toss them in during the last few minutes so they stay crisp and bright.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better time to bring a new favorite to your table than right now, and Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli delivers on every front: cozy, saucy, and just a little bit luxurious. I hope you give it a try—the combination of creamy coconut, tender chicken, and bright, fresh toppings is truly unforgettable and totally weeknight-friendly!
Print
Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender braised chicken in a rich coconut sauce with rice noodles and crisp broccoli. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Braised Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Noodles and Broccoli:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Instructions
- Braise the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, brown chicken, set aside. Cook onion, garlic, ginger, spices, and sugar. Add coconut milk, broth, soy sauce, and simmer. Return chicken to skillet, cover, and braise for 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare Noodles and Broccoli: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Steam or blanch broccoli until tender. Toss broccoli with sesame oil.
- Assemble: Shred chicken, return to skillet with sauce. Serve noodles topped with chicken, sauce, and broccoli. Garnish with cilantro, lime, and nuts.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts.
- For extra spice, add chili pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to use other veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
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