If you are craving a dish that beautifully marries the rich, tropical flavors of coconut with the zesty brightness of lime, then this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously smooth coconut sauce, with just the right touch of citrus to make every bite sing. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something both comforting and a little exotic, and trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your very favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, but each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the creamy coconut milk that creates the sauce’s silky base to the fresh lime juice that adds a zingy brightness, every item is essential to the final magic.
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up the sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken for a delicate, golden crust and to help thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Adds fresh herbal notes both in the coating and as a garnish for bright color and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Brings a subtle coconut aroma and perfect for searing the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps with even cooking and adds depth to the sear.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses savory warmth and complexity into the sauce.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Provides the creamy, tropical base of the sauce with natural sweetness.
- 2/3 cup chicken broth: Adds savory richness and balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Gives a subtle sweetness that rounds out the tangy lime.
- Juice of 2 limes, divided: Vital for the fresh citrus burst—one part in the sauce, one drizzled on top.
- Green onion, chopped: Offers a gentle onion crunch and color contrast as a finishing touch.
- Extra cilantro, chopped: Adds a vibrant herbaceous garnish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for baking the chicken after the searing step. This ensures the chicken finishes cooking evenly and the sauce thickens delightfully.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the coconut oil and olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the flour and chopped cilantro — this mixture not only adds flavor but helps create a golden, crispy crust on the chicken. Dredge each chicken breast evenly in this mixture, making sure both sides are coated well. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Just before finishing, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, infusing the oils with savory depth.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is sizzling, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of one lime in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—it’s creamy, a little sweet, and tangy with fresh lime juice, which perfectly complements the savory chicken and aromatic garlic.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Remove your skillet from the heat and carefully pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During this time, the sauce will thicken, coating the chicken with its luscious creaminess.
Step 5: Finish & Garnish
Once the chicken is perfectly baked, take the skillet out of the oven and drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over everything. This final touch brightens the rich sauce instantly. Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve this stunning dish hot to enjoy the full spectrum of its flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs make all the difference here. A generous sprinkle of extra cilantro and chopped green onions adds gorgeous bursts of color and fresh flavors that balance the richness of the coconut sauce. A little extra lime juice on top can be added for those who love an extra citrus kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soaks up every bit of the sauce. For a lighter option, try serving alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to provide some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, garnish the plate with lime wedges and whole cilantro sprigs. Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board or colorful ceramic plates to make the vibrant colors pop. Drizzle some sauce on the plate artistically before laying down the chicken to wow your guests visually as well as with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious dish longer, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before sealing and label clearly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Adding a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy and flavorful. Adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
You could try using heavy cream for a creamy texture, but coconut milk brings a uniquely tropical flavor that is key to this recipe’s identity. Light coconut milk can be used for a lighter version but the sauce will be less rich.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili when you add the garlic. This will infuse the sauce with just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream, making it perfect for those with dairy sensitivities.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe?
A crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy coconut and lime perfectly. These wines enhance the tropical and fresh notes in the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s effortlessly impressive, bursting with flavor, and cozy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s fresh, creamy, and simply delicious in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your own kitchen!
Print
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southeast Asian-inspired)
Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts baked in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime juice and aromatic herbs. The combination of coconut oil, cilantro, and a touch of brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile, making this recipe an easy yet elegant meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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 and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- Juice of 2 limes, divided
Garnishes
- 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, and place directly into the hot skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. When almost done, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, combine coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the chicken. 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. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly before adding to the coconut milk.
- Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to move directly from stovetop to oven without transferring the food.
