Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the richness of coconut milk and the bright zest of lime. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 limes, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, then add the lime juice and zest. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy coconut lime sauce, garnished with extra lime zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or basil on top for added freshness.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the coconut milk from curdling, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use light coconut milk for this recipe?
Yes, light coconut milk works, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy compared to using regular coconut milk.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh lime?
You can use bottled lime juice, but fresh lime zest adds extra brightness. Alternatively, lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
PrintCreamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with zesty lime and fragrant garlic. This easy-to-make recipe brings together tropical flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion / Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 medium limes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey for balance
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make the coconut lime sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the lime zest and lime juice, stirring well to combine. If using, add the coconut sugar or honey, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy coconut lime chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil if desired, over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more lime juice gradually to suit your taste.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor than chicken breasts, but both work well.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, basil, or green onions for a fresh touch.
Keywords: coconut lime chicken, creamy chicken, coconut milk recipe, lime garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken recipe
