Zesty Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe for Dinner Success

Whipping up a deliciously creamy coconut lime chicken brings tropical flavors right to your dinner table.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside rich, velvety coconut sauce for an unexpected culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces absorb the tangy marinade, creating layers of mouthwatering complexity.

Mediterranean and Southeast Asian influences merge in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals without extensive cooking skills.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor, promising a delightful meal that will spark conversation.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken You’ll Enjoy

• Master Easy Cooking Technique: Even beginner cooks can nail this one-skillet wonder, with simple searing and simmering steps that guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Swap sides, adjust spices, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, turning a basic meal into a personalized dining experience that suits your mood and pantry.
• Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Lean protein from chicken combined with nutrient-rich coconut milk creates a balanced meal that feels indulgent while keeping health goals in check.

Ingredients To Prepare Coconut Lime Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the star of this creamy, tropical dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Ground Ginger: A blend of spices that adds warmth, depth, and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a rich, savory base for the sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh and zesty finish to the dish.

• Coconut Milk: A creamy, rich liquid that creates a luxurious and silky sauce with a subtle tropical sweetness.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Citrus elements that bring a tangy, bright flavor and help balance the richness of the coconut milk.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used to sear the chicken and create a golden-brown exterior.

• Rice, Steamed Vegetables: Complementary side dishes that help soak up the delicious coconut lime sauce.

How To Cook Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the oil to spread evenly across the pan’s surface.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Ground ginger

Massage the spices into the chicken to ensure full coverage.

Step 3: Create a Golden Sear

Place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Awaken the Garlic’s Aroma

In the same skillet, quickly saute minced garlic for about 1 minute until its fragrant essence fills the kitchen.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Fresh lime juice
• Lime zest

Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and absorbing the luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken.

Serve alongside fluffy rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips For Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Success

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and prevent excess moisture.
• Adjust lime juice quantity based on personal taste preferences, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Whisk coconut milk thoroughly before adding to prevent separation and achieve a smooth sauce.
• Chop cilantro just before serving to maintain vibrant color and robust flavor profile.
• If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.

Variations For Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace coconut milk with almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter, nut-based sauce that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to transform the dish into a zesty Southwestern-style chicken with a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks, keeping the coconut lime sauce and cooking method the same for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or with roasted zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the recipe's delicious flavors.

Serving Ideas For Coconut Lime Chicken Dish

• Tropical Dinner Plate: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious creamy coconut lime sauce, creating a perfect flavor combination.
• Island-Style Side Dish: Pair with grilled pineapple slices or mango salsa to enhance the tropical notes and add a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and squeeze additional lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish's vibrant flavors and add a zesty freshness.
• Wellness Bowl Option: Create a nutritious bowl by adding steamed broccoli or roasted sweet potato cubes alongside the chicken for a balanced, colorful meal.

Storage Advice For Coconut Lime Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Ensure chicken is fully cooled before freezing.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of coconut milk to maintain moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little coconut milk or water to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry to ensure proper searing and even cooking.

• What if I don't have ground ginger?

You can substitute with fresh grated ginger or skip it entirely, as the other spices will still provide good flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and creamy with a bright citrus note from the lime, suitable for most taste preferences.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical flavors dance in this irresistible Coconut Lime Chicken, blending zesty citrus with rich coconut cream. Succulent chicken emerges perfectly seasoned, promising a delightful culinary escape you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious iron skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
2. Liberally coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices – introducing salt, pepper, paprika, and ground ginger for robust flavor profiles.
3. Create a golden sear on chicken pieces, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until exterior develops a rich, caramelized crust.
4. Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful pan remnants.
5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for roughly 60 seconds without burning.
6. Pour creamy coconut milk into the skillet, whisking vigorously to integrate pan drippings and release concentrated flavors.
7. Brighten the sauce with fresh lime juice and zest, stirring continuously to create a harmonious, tangy coconut base.
8. Gently nestle seared chicken back into the simmering sauce, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
9. Cover skillet and allow chicken to poach for 10-12 minutes, guaranteeing thorough cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
10. Once chicken reaches safe internal temperature, remove from heat and garnish with vibrant chopped cilantro.
11. Present alongside fluffy rice or crisp steamed vegetables for a complete, elegant meal.

Notes

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown sear and lock in moisture.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that provides better coating and depth of flavor.
• For a low-carb version, swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg