Get ready to escape to the tropics with every bite of this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe! This dish is beautifully balanced – the coconut milk brings a luscious silkiness, while zesty lime lifts everything with a punch of freshness. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts soak up a blissfully fragrant sauce, making each mouthful a mini vacation. Whether you’re longing to brighten up a weeknight dinner or impress at a relaxed dinner gathering, you’ll adore the effortless elegance and unbeatable flavor of this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients, but each one shines in its own right, creating a harmonious blend of creaminess, citrus, and spice. Gather these kitchen staples and let every flavor do its magic – from the golden chicken to the zippy finish of lime zest!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for soaking up sauces and staying juicy.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden, crisp sear and subtle fruity undertone.
1 small onion (diced): Adds sweet depth and aromatic richness to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses irresistible flavor and warmth.
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk: Delivers that creamy tropical base and velvety texture.
Juice and zest of 2 limes: The zesty hero, offering tang and brightness.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Lends earthy warmth and gentle spice.
½ teaspoon paprika: For color and a hint of smokiness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing flavors together.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): A burst of color and herby freshness.
Lime wedges (optional for serving): For an extra squeeze of citrus right at the table.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts on a plate and sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Giving the chicken this initial layer of seasoning ensures it’s flavorful all the way through and catches that beautiful golden crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and let them sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden color—this locks in moisture and flavor. When they’re perfectly browned, set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Using the same skillet (keep those tasty browned bits!), toss in your diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, then add the garlic and cook just 30 seconds more—just enough to mellow that raw edge.

Step 4: Build the Coconut Lime Sauce

Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and your choice of honey or maple syrup. Give it all a good stir, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan for all those savory bits. Watch as the sauce turns creamy and tantalizing, then let it come to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the silky sauce. Spoon that coconut-lime goodness generously over each piece. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer together for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have mingled deliciously.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and let it rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken stay juicy. Right before serving, scatter chopped fresh cilantro and, if you like, squeeze a few lime wedges over the top for a last burst of zing.

How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe with a flourish! Bright green cilantro adds a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor, while lime wedges on the side let your guests adjust the citrus level to their liking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chile can bring a subtle warmth and jazz up the plate even more.

Side Dishes

This dish is simply made for serving over fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or nutty quinoa—the grains soak up every last bit of that velvety coconut-lime sauce. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice works wonders, keeping things low-carb but still satisfying. Some crisp-steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad make lovely, cooling sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a fun experience by slicing the chicken and serving it family-style on a large platter, spooned generously with sauce and loaded up with vibrant garnishes. Or, for a dramatic touch, plate whole chicken breasts atop a bed of rice, with sauce drizzled artistically and sprinkled with plenty of fresh herbs and lime zest. If you’re hosting, serve in wide bowls with a wedge of crusty bread to mop up every last drop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe (with plenty of sauce) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more delicious as they mingle overnight, making leftovers a genuinely exciting lunch or second dinner!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally until heated through. If needed, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between, but stovetop is best for that dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious and even juicier. You may need to simmer a bit longer for full doneness, but the rest of the recipe is unchanged.

Is this dish spicy?

By default, it’s quite mild and family-friendly. If you’d like a spicy kick, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you pour in the coconut milk for some heat.

Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?

Great news—the Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written! Just double-check your coconut milk and spices if you’re cooking for sensitive eaters.

Can I use light coconut milk?

You can! The sauce will be a touch lighter and less rich, but still plenty creamy and delicious. Full-fat coconut milk gives that signature velvety feel, but light works in a pinch.

What other herbs go well with this recipe?

If you don’t have cilantro on hand, try fresh basil, mint, or even a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness and color.

Final Thoughts

However you serve it, this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is sure to transport you somewhere sunny and bright, bite after bite. It’s such a breeze to make, yet feels special every time. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite island-inspired comfort dish!

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with zesty lime, creating a dish that is both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika for seasoning

Coconut Lime Sauce:

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
Juice and zest of 2 limes
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Sear in olive oil until golden. Set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, cook onion until soft. Add garlic, coconut milk, lime juice, zest, and honey. Simmer.
Cook Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer until fully cooked.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest, then garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.