If you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner, this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. With a savory yet slightly sweet coconut milk sauce, zesty lime, and tender chicken, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this one-skillet recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
This creamy coconut lime chicken recipe offers the perfect balance of tropical flavors and comfort food vibes. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal, as it’s made in one skillet, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze. The combination of coconut milk, lime juice, and cilantro brings out vibrant, fresh flavors while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s adaptable for different dietary needs—whether you prefer paleo, Whole30, or gluten-free options, you can easily modify the ingredients to fit your needs.
Ingredients for Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: A lean protein source that remains juicy and tender when cooked in the coconut sauce.
- Coconut Milk: The base of the creamy sauce, which adds richness and a subtle sweetness.
- Chicken Broth: Helps to thin the sauce while enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
- Cilantro: Provides a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the coconut and lime perfectly.
- Limes: The citrusy zing of lime juice brightens the dish and adds a refreshing tang.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the lime and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Olive Oil and Coconut Oil: Used for pan-searing the chicken to golden perfection while adding a savory richness to the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light coating for the chicken, which helps thicken the sauce and ensures a crispy crust. (For gluten-free, use arrowroot starch.)
- Garlic: Enhances the savory depth of the dish with its aromatic flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or are looking to customize the recipe to your dietary preferences, here are a few substitutions:
- Coconut Sugar instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Chicken Thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier cut of meat.
- Arrowroot Starch instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free or Paleo-friendly option.
- Spinach or Mushrooms can be added to the skillet for extra veggies that blend well with the coconut lime sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add both coconut oil and olive oil.
- Prepare the chicken by combining flour and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, coating it evenly, then place it directly into the skillet.
- Pan-sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together the coconut milk, chicken broth, lime juice, and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
- Bake the chicken: Pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the remaining lime juice over the top. Garnish with salt, pepper, extra cilantro, and green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
- Check the chicken’s doneness: If you slice your chicken breasts in half for quicker cooking, check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Enhance the lime flavor: Add lime zest to the chicken before serving for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken: Since the chicken will continue cooking in the oven, check it at the 10-minute mark to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Add more coconut flavor: If you want a stronger coconut taste, consider adding an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to the sauce.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it over steamed white rice or quinoa to soak up the rich coconut sauce. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes also complement the flavors of the dish. For a light side, serve with a fresh salad or sautéed spinach.
Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute arrowroot starch for the flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Paleo-Friendly: Follow the same method, but omit the sugar and use arrowroot starch in place of the flour.
- Whole30-Friendly: To make this Whole30-compliant, omit the brown sugar and substitute the flour with arrowroot starch.
Health Benefits of Coconut Lime Chicken
Coconut milk provides healthy fats and can help improve heart health when consumed in moderation. The lime adds a boost of vitamin C, essential for immune health, while the chicken offers a lean protein source that promotes muscle repair and growth. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
Enjoy this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe with your favorite sides, and feel free to get creative with variations and additions to suit your taste!
Conclusion
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or impressing guests. The combination of savory chicken, creamy coconut milk, and zesty lime creates a truly irresistible dish. Whether you serve it over rice, with roasted vegetables, or just on its own, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and an easy-to-follow method, you can enjoy a tropical-inspired dinner in no time. Try it today and elevate your chicken game to a whole new level!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. Thighs are slightly juicier and richer in flavor. Just be sure to adjust the baking time—chicken thighs generally cook faster, so check the internal temperature around 5-8 minutes after transferring the skillet to the oven.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with arrowroot starch. This will keep the recipe Paleo-friendly as well, without compromising on the texture or flavor of the dish.
Can I make this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coconut sauce ahead of time. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to bake. You can also prep the chicken and freeze it with the sauce for a later date. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re reheating.
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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy coconut lime chicken is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. With a savory and slightly sweet coconut milk sauce, zesty lime juice, and tender chicken, it’s the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat preferred)
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 limes (juice and zest)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat coconut oil and olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine flour and cilantro. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture and place it in the skillet.
- Pan-sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- While the chicken is searing, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, sugar, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, then pour in the coconut milk mixture.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drizzle with the remaining lime juice, garnish with cilantro and green onions, and serve!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use arrowroot starch instead of all-purpose flour.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- If you prefer more lime flavor, add lime zest on top before serving.
- For a richer coconut taste, add extra coconut oil to the sauce.
- If chicken breasts are large, slice them in half lengthwise to reduce baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 464
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 416mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
