Description
“Enjoy this creamy Coconut Lime Chicken, a rich and zesty dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety coconut milk sauce with lime, garlic, and spices. Quick, easy, and dairy-free!”
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for a richer sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Garnish & Extras:
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise if large.
- Season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Coconut Lime Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in coconut milk, chicken broth, lime juice, zest, honey, and soy sauce.
- (Optional) Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add for thickening.
-
Simmer and Combine
- Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat in sauce.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to reheat.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or salmon.
- Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Extra Creamy Sauce: Mix coconut cream with coconut milk.
- Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Coconut Lime Chicken, Creamy Coconut Chicken, Dairy-Free Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Coconut Milk Sauce