There is something irresistibly delightful about the tangy, tropical flavors in this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are perfectly seared and then bathed in a luscious sauce made from rich coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and a hint of brown sugar, creating a harmony of creamy, zesty, and slightly sweet notes. The cilantro and green onion finish adds vibrant freshness, making this dish a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. This recipe brings a sunny vibe straight to your table, making every bite feel like a mini getaway.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element contributes a key component—texture, flavor, or color—that elevates the dish beyond just basic chicken dinner fare.
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these are the perfect protein base that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light, crispy coating for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous punch that brightens the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Provides a subtle tropical aroma that complements the coconut milk exquisitely.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps with an even sear on the chicken breasts.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth and warmth.
- 1 cup coconut milk: The creamy heart of the sauce, giving the dish its luscious texture and a mild sweetness.
- 2/3 cup chicken broth: Adds body to the sauce and enhances its savory dimension.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Balances the tangy lime with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Juice of 2 limes, divided: Provides fresh acidity and zesty brightness that lifts the entire recipe.
- Green onion, chopped: Adds crunch and a mild onion flavor that complements the cilantro.
- Extra cilantro, chopped: For garnish, to inject more freshness and visual appeal at the end.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having your oven ready in advance ensures a smooth transition from stovetop to oven, allowing the chicken to finish cooking evenly in that warm, tropical sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Grab a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven and warm it over medium heat. Add the coconut and olive oils. Meanwhile, mix the flour and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, coating it evenly to create a flavorful crust. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and beautifully crisp on the outside. Just before finishing the sear, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an aromatic 30 seconds to infuse the oils with a gentle garlic scent.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While your chicken is sizzling, combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice of one lime in a bowl. Stir these together until smooth and harmonious. This sauce is the magic behind the Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe, offering richness with a tantalizing tang and subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Take the skillet off the stove and pour the coconut milk sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts. This gentle bath will cook the chicken more tenderly in the oven. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The result will be tender, juicy chicken swimming in the dreamiest sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken to brighten up the rich sauce with an extra pop of freshness. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and green onions. These final touches add vibrant color and flavor contrast that make each bite irresistible. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, tangy bliss you’ve just created.
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro and green onion are the perfect garnishes, offering a crisp freshness against the creamy sauce. A final squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds that zesty spark that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For added crunch and color, roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad make an excellent accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or inside warm, soft tortillas for a tropical chicken wrap. Garnishing with toasted coconut flakes brings an unexpected texture contrast that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Place portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some headspace as the sauce may expand when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave on medium power. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the sauce’s texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and bring even more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Is coconut milk necessary for the sauce?
Coconut milk is key to achieving the creamy, tropical flavor and texture that defines this recipe. Light coconut milk can be used if you prefer less richness, but avoid coconut milk beverages, as they are too watery.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This entire recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk replacing cream or butter. Just double-check any added garnishes or sides if you want to keep it completely dairy-free.
How sour will this dish be with lime juice?
The lime juice adds a bright and tangy note that balances the sweetness and creaminess in the sauce. It’s zesty but not overpowering — if you prefer less tang, start with the juice of one lime and add more to taste at the end.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can mix the flour and cilantro coating ahead of time and keep it ready, or even sear the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge to finish baking later. Just be sure to bake it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s the perfect mix of comforting creaminess and lively citrus brightness that makes every bite exciting. Don’t wait to give it a try — once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this sunshine-filled dish in your recipe collection.
Print
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful cilantro-flour mixture, seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from coconut milk, chicken broth, lime juice, and a touch of brown sugar. Finished with fresh lime juice, green onions, and cilantro, this dish offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 chicken breasts)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- Juice of 2 limes, divided
Garnish
- Green onion, chopped
- Extra cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the flour and chopped cilantro. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, coating both sides. Place the coated chicken breasts directly into the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. When nearly done searing, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, mix together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl until well blended.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the prepared coconut milk mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish & Garnish: After baking, take the skillet out of the oven. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and chopped green onion on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Check chicken temperature carefully to ensure it is fully cooked but remains juicy.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when searing the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with tropical influences
