Description
This Lime Coconut Chicken recipe offers a tropical twist on classic skillet chicken, featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime, garlic, and ginger. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with an Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to ensure balanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them to preserve their delicate flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the coconut milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully heated and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, preferably over jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.
- Add sliced chili for an extra kick of heat.
- A splash of fish sauce can enhance umami depth.
- For a creamier sauce, reduce the coconut milk by simmering it longer before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
