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
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)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, then generously coat chicken with seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and paprika.
- 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.
- Use the same skillet to gently sweat aromatic garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Enhance the skillet’s flavor profile by introducing ground ginger, vibrant lime zest, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Stream coconut milk and fresh lime juice into the pan, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
- 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.
- 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