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