Description
A flavorful and creamy coconut lime chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich coconut milk sauce infused with zesty lime, garlic, and warm spices. Perfect for a tropical-inspired weeknight dinner that’s dairy-free and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika to infuse them with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and honey. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer to blend the vibrant flavors.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal; cauliflower rice offers a low-carb alternative.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce while simmering.
