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COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

Hey y'all! If you’re craving a burst of flavor with minimal effort, this COCONUT LIME CHICKEN recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a creamy coconut sauce, brightened with zesty lime and aromatic spices. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or impressing your friends at a weekend gathering. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

  • Quick and easy to make—ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Packed with tangy lime and creamy coconut flavors for a tropical twist.
  • Perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.
  • Pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free for various dietary needs.

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

How to Make COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden (they don’t need to be cooked through yet).

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Lime Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and Finish

  1. Return chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
  2. Stir in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges to serve.
COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

Notes & Tips for Perfect COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

  • For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat coconut milk, not light. Learn more about types of coconut milk.
  • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise for faster cooking, especially if they are thick.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it nice and juicy.

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN Variations

  • Spicy Coconut Lime Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets, adjusting cook times as needed.
  • Grilled Coconut Lime Chicken: Marinate chicken in the sauce, then grill and finish with warm coconut-lime glaze.

Required Equipment for COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN Storage & Shelf Life

Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

  • Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice for a tropical vibe.
  • Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad.
  • Top with extra lime zest and toasted coconut flakes for added crunch.

Pro Tips for the Best COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

  • Don’t overcook the chicken—use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly juicy results (learn more about chicken cooking times).
  • Always zest your lime before juicing it for maximum flavor.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently to prevent it from curdling and keep it silky smooth.

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add even more juiciness—just increase simmer time by 2-3 minutes.
Can I make this COCONUT LIME CHICKEN recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free; just check that your coconut milk and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
How do I thicken the coconut lime sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water at the end.

For more about the nutritional benefits of coconut milk, check out this comprehensive guide to coconut milk.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes

★★★★★ 4.90 from 183 ratings

Coconut Lime Chicken

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 25 mins
total: 40 mins
A flavorful and creamy coconut lime chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a zesty coconut milk sauce with fresh lime and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Coconut Lime Chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. 3
    In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ground ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4
    Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. 5
    Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer in the sauce for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. 6
    Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or vegetables.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 370 caloriescal
Protein: 38gg
Fat: 20gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 7gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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