Description
Coconut Lime Chicken is a creamy, tropical-inspired main dish featuring tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime juice, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. This easy one-pan stovetop meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
To Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to ensure flavorful meat.
- Heat Oil and Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Simmer Sauce: Stir in full-fat coconut milk, chicken broth, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, honey (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken and serve with lime wedges on the side. Pair with jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs offer extra tenderness and richer flavor compared to breasts.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, richest sauce texture.
- For added nutrition, add fresh spinach or bell peppers during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Serve this dish over jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion
