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Coconut Lemon Butter Chicken with Star Spice Rice

Experience a burst of rich, aromatic flavors with this Coconut Lemon Butter Chicken and Star Spice Rice dish. Tender, seasoned chicken breast is pan-seared to perfection, then bathed in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with lemon zest, ginger, and a hint of spice for a delightful balance of creaminess and zest. Served alongside fragrant Star Spice Rice, which is simmered with onions, garlic, cinnamon, and warming spices, this meal offers a fusion of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Garnished with fresh herbs and a touch of citrus, this dish is a perfect harmony of bold taste and wholesome goodness, ideal for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
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Course Main Course
Servings 3 people

Ingredients
  

For the chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tbsp Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Garlic Powder

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Ginger Powder
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional
  • 1 tbsp Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Fine Thyme
  • 2 tbsp Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Lemon Pepper
  • 1 tsp Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Turmeric Powder for color
  • ½ teaspoon Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Parsley for garnish

Star Spice Rice

  • 1 cup Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch piece of ginger grated
  • 3-4 green cardamom pods
  • 1-2 Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Star Anise
  • 1 Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Bay Leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Cilantro or Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Parsley for garnish
  • 1-2 sticks of Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Cinnamon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken breast with all seasonings listed in (For the Chicken). In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the coconut milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey (if using), turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.

How to Prepare the Rice:

  • Rinse the Rice: Rinse the Carlton’s Choice Whole Foods Rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add Spices: Add the cardamom, cloves, cardamom, star anise, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
  • Cook the Rice: Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice in the oil and spices. Pour in the water or broth, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  • To serve: Plate the rice and add the chicken and sauce side by side. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, along with star anise.