Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken – Easy Weeknight Meal Recipe

This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines savory chicken with a rich, creamy coconut sauce, finished with the bright zest of fresh lime. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort and time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish will surely be a hit, and best of all, it can be prepared in one skillet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. With a combination of coconut milk, lime, and tender chicken, the flavors meld together beautifully. The dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made paleo or Whole30-friendly with a few simple swaps. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or even over pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, providing lean protein. You can also substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk brings a creamy texture and a rich coconut flavor that makes the sauce delectable.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the coconut sauce, enhancing the savory profile of the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the coconut.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness that contrasts with the tangy lime, balancing the flavors in the sauce.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice adds a citrusy brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
• Garlic: A classic flavor that infuses the sauce with a savory aroma.
• Olive Oil & Coconut Oil: For pan-searing the chicken, creating a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Green Onion: Adds a fresh, oniony crunch as a garnish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Coconut Milk Substitute: If you’re avoiding coconut, you can use heavy cream for a similar creamy texture, though it will lose the coconut flavor.
• Arrowroot Starch: If you’re following a gluten-free or Paleo diet, swap the flour for arrowroot starch to keep it gluten-free.
• Sugar Substitute: You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to keep the dish healthier, or use a sugar alternative like stevia for a low-carb version.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe. They’ll offer extra moisture and tenderness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Heat: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat coconut oil and olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine flour and cilantro. Dip each chicken breast into this mixture, making sure it’s coated on both sides. Place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet.
3. Sear the Chicken: Pan-sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken sears, whisk together coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of one lime in a separate bowl.
5. Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the chicken, and sprinkle with chopped green onions, extra cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Tricks

• Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them for more even cooking. This will also reduce the baking time.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. If it’s not yet at 165°F, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
• Flavor Boost: Want more coconut flavor? Add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to the sauce for an enhanced coconut profile.
• Leftover Storage: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Serve this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken with a side of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re craving something healthier, roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad would make excellent companions. For a spicy twist, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or serve with a side of spicy roasted potatoes.

Make-Ahead Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them in separate containers. When ready to eat, simply heat the chicken in the microwave or stovetop, and finish it in the oven as directed.

Conclusion

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is the perfect combination of rich, savory coconut and zesty lime, creating a delightful dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to impress. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dinner party main course. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to experiment with different protein options or spice it up to suit your taste. Once you’ve made this dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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