Tangy Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Tantalizing aromas of tropical spices dance through the kitchen with this mouthwatering coconut lime chicken recipe.

The zesty lime cuts through rich, velvety coconut cream, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to coastal paradise.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a silky sauce, absorbing every nuanced note of citrus and creamy goodness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of bright, refreshing notes and deeply satisfying warmth.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Succulent and vibrant, this dish will become your new weeknight favorite that everyone at the table will crave.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Create a flavorful base by seasoning chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika, ensuring an even coating across the entire surface.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.

Carefully remove the chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Develop a Flavor Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onion

Cook until the ingredients become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Ground ginger
• Lime zest
• Red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

Stir the ingredients to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Lime juice

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Carefully place the seared chicken back into the skillet.

Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and absorbs the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top of the chicken just before serving.

The bright green herb adds a final touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Pro Tips for Creamy Coconut Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, or substitute with mild paprika for a kid-friendly version.
• Toast ground ginger in the pan for 30 seconds before adding liquids to enhance its aromatic qualities.
• Swap full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version.
• Add lime zest and fresh cilantro just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavors and bright aromatics.

Coconut Lime Chicken Flavor Ideas

• Tropical Dairy-Free Delight: Replace coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter version, keeping the creamy texture while reducing fat content.
• Spicy Caribbean Chicken: Add diced jalapeños and swap red pepper flakes for scotch bonnet peppers to create an intense heat level.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute lime with lemon, add oregano and thyme, and use Greek yogurt instead of coconut milk for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Vegan Protein Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based protein option.

Serve Coconut Lime Chicken With Sides

• Tropical Plate Pairing: Serve with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and balance the zesty lime flavors.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and extra fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant, crunchy texture that elevates the dish's presentation.
• Fresh Side Kick: Add a quick cucumber and mango salad with a light lime vinaigrette to complement the chicken's tangy and creamy profile, creating a refreshing contrast.
• Quick Plating Pro: Drizzle additional lime juice right before serving to boost the bright citrus notes and add a final burst of freshness to the creamy coconut chicken.

Best Ways to Store Coconut Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of coconut milk to maintain moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little coconut milk or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and cover, heating for 5-7 minutes until temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder flavor. Start with a small amount and add more if you like some kick.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will give you an even more tender and juicy result. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook.

• Do I need fresh lime or can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime is always best for maximum flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Fresh will give you a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to the bottled version.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken You’ll Remember

• Boost Flavor Profile: Tangy lime and creamy coconut create an explosion of tropical taste that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This one-pan wonder lets you prepare a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust heat levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes, making it perfect for various spice preferences and family-friendly dining experiences.
• Healthy Protein Option: Packed with lean protein and rich coconut milk, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on incredible, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients for Coconut Lime Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the main protein for this creamy dish.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide a rich, savory base flavor to enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Add depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Ground Ginger: Brings a subtle, spicy warmth to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a gentle heat to the dish.

• Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy, luxurious sauce with a tropical undertone.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness to balance the rich coconut sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a non-stick surface for cooking.

• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.
• Lime Zest: Enhances the citrusy flavor and adds a pop of color.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Coconut lime chicken delivers a tropical symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with zesty Mexican-inspired flair. Quick and simple ingredients blend into a luscious meal that promises restaurant-quality satisfaction for home cooks seeking delightful weeknight dinner inspiration.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.36 kilograms or 3 pounds)

Coconut and Citrus Elements:

• 1 can (14 ounces or 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 2 limes (juice and zest)

Spices, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, then generously coat chicken with seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Create a golden sear on chicken breasts, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until rich caramel color develops, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Use the same skillet to gently sweat aromatic garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant, roughly 2-3 minutes.
4. Enhance the skillet’s flavor profile by introducing ground ginger, vibrant lime zest, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
5. Stream coconut milk and fresh lime juice into the pan, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
6. Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the creamy coconut sauce, covering the skillet and reducing heat to low for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches perfect internal temperature and sauce thickens slightly.
7. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro leaves, adding brightness and herbal complexity to the rich, tangy sauce.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to match personal heat tolerance.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat that absorbs more sauce and remains tender during cooking.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for richer, creamier sauce that provides deeper flavor complexity and smoother texture.
• Consider adding toasted coconut flakes or sliced almonds as a crunchy garnish to introduce additional texture and nutty undertones.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg