Thai Chicken & Coconut Rice: Just-Add-Water Backpacking Meal

This Tom Kha Gai inspired coconut chicken and rice is slightly sweet with a hint of acidity and is hands down my most requested backpacking recipe. Spice up this just-add-water meal with the addition of red chili flakes and salt to taste.

The rehydration ratio is driven almost entirely by the instant rice (1:1) so you can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken or accommodate peanut-allergies by omitting the peanuts. The amount of water you’ll need to add remains the same.

• 1 cup Minute Instant white rice
• 6 Tbsp coconut powder
• 4 tsp freeze dried green onions
• 2 Tbsp peanuts, lightly chopped
• 1/4 c freeze dried chicken (optional)
• 1/4 tsp lime powder, such as True Lime

Preparation Instructions: Measure out all the ingredients and add to re-sealable boil bag. You do not need to add an oxygen-absorber if planning to use this meal within two months. That’s one less thing to pack in, and one less piece of trash to pack out.

Don’t forget to label your bag with the rehydration instructions!

Serving instructions: 1 cup boiling water. Wait ~10 minutes.

I have personally purchased and used any product linked to in this recipe. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Optional Salt-Free Thai Inspired Seasoning Mix (In Development)

True Lime is a salt-free seasoning that many backpackers already have on hand, and this recipe works just fine with that alone. However if you find yourself returning to this backpacker meal time and again (its my most requested meal to bring for family and friends), it makes sense to invest in a more robust seasoning blend. Mix it once, store it, and then have it on hand for the future.

• lemongrass powder
• galangal powder
• ground coriander

Click for more low sodium, just-add-water ultralight backpacking meal recipes!