Description
Coconut lime chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, brightened with fresh lime zest and juice, and infused with garlic and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with its tropical-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional for Serving
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground cumin to build a flavorful base.
- Heat Oil and Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Coconut Milk and Lime: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, add the lime zest and juice, and the optional honey or brown sugar to balance acidity. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a creamy sauce.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm alongside your choice of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide juicier meat but chicken breasts work equally well.
- To achieve a thicker sauce, continue to simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical-Inspired
