Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & 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
Cooking Oils & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoon 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, mix the flour and chopped cilantro together. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, coating both sides thoroughly, then place directly into the hot skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. When the chicken is almost done searing, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Stir until well blended to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts. Carefully 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: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and green onion to add freshness and brightness. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, creamy coconut lime chicken!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option; adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when preparing the sauce.
- Use coconut sugar as a natural sweetener alternative to brown sugar.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring chicken to another dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, American with tropical influences
