Coconut Lime Chicken
This Coconut Lime Chicken is a simple skillet dinner made with juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with fresh lime, garlic, and ginger. The combination of rich coconut milk and bright citrus creates a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknights while still feeling a little special. Serve it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
For more easy chicken dinners, be sure to try my Greek Chicken Bowl, Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, and Summer Berry Chicken Salad. They’re all simple recipes that are packed with flavor.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Coconut Lime Chicken:
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer darker meat. If using thick chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally so they cook more evenly.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates the creamiest sauce. Shake the can well before opening if the cream has separated.
Lime: Zest the lime before juicing it. Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor and shouldn’t be substituted with bottled juice if possible.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
Fresh Ginger: Peel the ginger with a spoon before grating or mincing. If needed, substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger.
Cilantro: If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or sliced green onions make great substitutes.
Recipe Variations
Make It Spicy or Thai-Inspired: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, red curry paste, or a splash of fish sauce.
Add Vegetables: Stir spinach, bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli into the sauce.
Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How To Make Coconut Lime Chicken: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the coconut milk and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the coconut lime sauce until fully cooked.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Simmer the sauce gently to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Taste the sauce before serving and add more lime juice if you’d like extra brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and stay very juicy.
Yes. The flavors develop even more after resting, making it a great meal prep recipe.
Jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables all pair well with this dish.
I hope you love this Coconut Lime Chicken. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!
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Coconut Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large red onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- zest of 1 lime
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the lime zest and lime juice.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data