Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
This Coconut Lime Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy coconut lime sauce with a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is both comforting and vibrant, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Then, stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and honey (if using).
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the pan, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice, quinoa, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup used.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or roasted sweet potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Coconut Lime Chicken, Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe, Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken