Here's a recipe for Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice that serves 4-6 people:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
* 2 cups water or chicken broth
* 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
* 1 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks (optional)
* 2 tablespoons coconut milk or heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Cook the Rice:** Heat the coconut oil or vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
2. **Add Water and Rice:** Add the water or chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. **Prepare the Chicken:** In a separate pan, heat the coconut oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
4. **Add Fruits and Spices:** Add the pineapple and mango chunks (if using) to the pan with the chicken. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the fruits are slightly caramelized. Add the cumin, coriander, and lime juice to the pan and stir to combine.
5. **Combine and Simmer:** Add the cooked rice to the pan with the chicken and fruit mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is heated through.
6. **Add Coconut Milk:** Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and the flavors have melded together.
7. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro leaves (if desired).
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make this recipe more substantial, add some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the rice mixture.
* For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or sriracha to the dish.
* To make it a one-pot meal, cook the chicken and rice together in the same saucepan, with some liquid at the bottom.
* You can also add some toasted almonds or cashews to the dish for added crunch.
* Experiment with different types of coconut milk, such as full-fat or low-fat, for varying levels of creaminess.
* This recipe is also delicious with shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
**Other Versions:**
* Thai-Style Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice: Add some fish sauce, lime zest, and chopped Thai basil to the dish for a Thai-inspired flavor.
* Caribbean-Style Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice: Add some jerk seasoning, chopped scallions, and toasted coconut flakes to the dish for a Caribbean-inspired flavor.
* Vegetarian Coconut Lime Rice Bowl: Replace the chicken with roasted tofu or tempeh, and add some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the dish.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification on any of the steps.
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