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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 88 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion (with influences from Southeast Asian flavors)
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This creamy coconut lime chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful, aromatic sauce made from coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and zesty spices. It’s a quick and easy skillet dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spiced flavors topped with fresh cilantro.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Others

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)


Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Season the Aromatics: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to coat the onions and garlic evenly.
  5. Add Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.
  6. Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
  7. Add Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring everything together to combine the flavors.
  8. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Add Lime: Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest, letting the sauce cook for about 5 minutes to infuse the citrus flavor.
  10. Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the skillet.
  11. Thicken Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until it reaches the preferred consistency.
  12. Finish with Cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro to add freshness.
  13. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt or lime juice as needed to balance the flavors.
  14. Serve: Serve the creamy coconut lime chicken hot over rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chilies along with the other spices.
  • If you prefer, use thighs instead of chicken breasts for more juiciness and flavor.
  • The cornstarch is optional but helpful if you like a thicker, creamier sauce.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.