Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli.
This Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli is the perfect bowl of warming summer comfort food. It’s healthy…and so delicious. Slow simmered chicken tossed in creamy coconut milk with broccoli, zucchini, and rice noodles. Add some heat with curry paste, and balance it all out with a squeeze of lime. Best part…all you need for this recipe are simple ingredients and under an hour’s time. Bonus? The leftovers are even more delicious the next day.
With every day the sun is setting earlier and earlier, and by this time next week, Asher will be 12. I wish she’d just stop growing up so quickly. She’s a little mini adult at this point and wise beyond her years. I finally spent some time this weekend trying to think of something amazing to do for her birthday. And you guys…I’m still stumped.
Do you have ideas? I feel like twelve is a special birthday and I’m sad I don’t get to spend it with her.
When Asher’s birthday rolls around, it means summer is coming to a close. I have a lot of mixed feelings about that. Mostly, I’m not ready to say goodbye to the longer days, fresh herbs from the garden, and wildflowers growing in the yard. It’s too soon, right?
Regardless of how I feel, we’ve got one full week of August left. I’m making it count by using all the summer produce I can. My plan? Use it all up before it’s gone Incorporate herbs, vegetables, and fruits into transitional summer-to-fall recipes as we start to slowly inch our way into a new season. I know it’s super hot most places right now, but the cool nights will come soon, and thankfully this recipe is here for that.
here are the details.
This one is EASY…and quick.
I’ve been switching it up recently and using chicken thighs instead of breasts for some dishes. I’m loving the added flavor they give. That said, this recipe works with either a small boneless chicken thigh or chicken breast. Just take your pick.
Toss the chicken with turmeric and curry paste. For the curry paste, I use Thai Red Kitchen curry paste, which I’ve loved for years. It adds so much flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Now, pan sear the chicken until golden brown. Toss in a whole bunch of shallots, ginger, garlic, and zucchini to give this saucy curry some good flavor. Oh, and don’t forget the broccoli. I like to add that midway through cooking to help the broccoli keep its color.
For the vegetables, you can use whatever you have on hand…bell peppers, eggplant, corn, zucchini, they all work, so use what you love or what you have. Next time around, I’m going to use fresh bell peppers. That will be delicious.
Next, go for the coconut milk, a splash of fish sauce, and little honey. I’d recommend full fat for an extra creamy, very delicious curry. And if you don’t love fish sauce, TRY IT, it’s the best, promise. It smells funky, but if you can get past that, it’s going to make your coconut sauce better.
Simmer everything together until the chicken is tender and the kitchen smells amazing. And you’re maybe even getting some cozier vibes…sorry I can’t help myself, I love anything cozy.
Side note, I think if I write another cookbook, it should have the word cozy in the tittle. Yes? No?
onto those noodles…my favorite part
Because noodles in an extra saucy coconut curry sauce are way too delicious. They’ll soak up all that sauce and flavor, and oh my gosh, you guys?
They are GOOD.
So, while the curry is simmering away, boil up some rice noodles.
I love using the super thin vermicelli rice noodles, but any rice noodle or noodle that you have on hand will be great. Just be sure to find a noodle you love and something that will hold up well in a good amount of curry sauce.
As soon as the curry is done, I spoon the sauce overtop the noodles, add the chicken, plus lots of fresh Thai basil from the garden and EAT. Dinner in under an hour and made using chicken, pantry staples, and fresh produce.
Couldn’t love this (healthy) braised chicken curry more. Hoping it makes for a perfect Monday night dinner for you all. Enjoy!
Lastly, if you make this saucy coconut braised chicken with rice noodles and broccoli be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
