If you’re dreaming of a weeknight dinner that tastes like a mini tropical escape, this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is your ticket! Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then bathed in the silkiest coconut-lime sauce—fragrant, tangy, and oh-so-comforting, all ready in just 30 minutes. Every forkful is a bright, creamy, and aromatic celebration you’ll love sharing with family or friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dreamy Tropical Flavor: The blend of coconut milk and fresh lime makes every bite feel like a sun-kissed getaway.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Even on your busiest nights, you can whip up Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken without breaking a sweat.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, minimal dishes—this all-in-one skillet meal keeps cleanup blissfully simple.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: The creamy, mild sauce and juicy chicken are guaranteed to win over kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the fabulous lineup for Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken! Every ingredient here is easy to find yet brings its own personality—creamy, bright, herby, or savory. Together, these few pantry staples are transformed into a dinner you’ll crave again and again.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Plump, juicy, and perfect for soaking up that irresistible coconut-lime sauce.
- All purpose flour: A light dusting gives the chicken a golden crust and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant—mixed into the breading and sprinkled on top for an herby finish.
- Coconut oil & olive oil: A flavorful combo for browning the chicken and giving a hint of the tropics right from the start.
- Garlic clove: Just one, minced, infuses the dish with that wonderful aromatic depth we all love.
- Coconut milk: The star that brings creamy silkiness and that signature coconut flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone to balance out the richness of the coconut milk.
- Brown sugar (or coconut sugar): A touch of sweetness ties all the flavors together and highlights the lime and coconut.
- Limes: Both the juice and zest brighten the sauce with zingy citrus notes.
- Green onion: Scattered on top for crunch and color—an extra hint of freshness you don’t want to skip!
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that allow every other flavor to shine.
Variations
The beauty of Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is how easily you can tailor it to fit your mood, preferences, or what’s in your pantry. Make it lighter, bolder, or even vegetarian—the flavors are simply irresistible no matter how you mix it up!
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of red pepper flakes or finely sliced jalapeño to the sauce for a gentle heat that plays perfectly with the creamy coconuty base.
- Swap the Protein: Try it with boneless skinless thighs for extra juiciness, or use shrimp for a speedy seafood version bursting with flavor.
- Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or even omit the flour for a crispier, GF-friendly version—the sauce is naturally dairy-free!
- Vegetarian Option: Sauté cubes of firm tofu instead of chicken and carry on with the recipe as written for a plant-based delight.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and chopped cilantro to create a super simple dredge. Coat each chicken breast in this mixture, shaking off any extra, and head straight to a hot oven-safe skillet where both coconut oil and olive oil are waiting to sizzle. Sear each piece for about 3–4 minutes per side, letting them pick up that beautiful golden crust. When almost done, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook until just fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Creamy Sauce
While your chicken finishes searing, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of one lime in a bowl. Stir well so everything is full-on mingling! Once the chicken is golden, remove your skillet from the heat and generously pour the coconut-lime mixture right over the chicken, bathing each piece in that dreamy sauce.
Step 3: Bake Until Juicy and Perfect
Pop the entire skillet, uncovered, into the hot oven. Let the chicken finish baking for 10–15 minutes (depending on thickness), or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. While the chicken cooks, the flour will gently thicken the sauce, making it even creamier and more luxurious.
Step 4: Finish with Freshness
Once done, pull the skillet out of the oven and immediately drizzle over the juice from your second lime. Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and a good handful of green onions for crunch and color. Serve immediately and get ready for those rave reviews!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
- Even Chicken Thickness: For perfectly juicy chicken, pound the breasts to even thickness before dredging—this helps them cook at the same rate in the skillet and oven.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the most luscious, creamy sauce, always use full-fat coconut milk instead of light—it makes a world of difference!
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes off the heat—this ensures maximum flavor and succulence.
- Zest for Extra Lime: For an unexpectedly bold citrus burst, add a little lime zest to the sauce along with the juice!
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
Garnishes
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken practically begs for a rain of fresh herbs and color! Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions lend a bright, zippy finish, while extra lime wedges on the side let everyone amp up the citrus as they wish. For a hint of heat, scatter on a few red pepper flakes or thinly sliced chilies before serving.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice to catch all that creamy sauce. For a fresh twist, serve with steamed broccolini, sautéed greens, or a vibrant cucumber salad—the freshness balances the richness of the chicken. Garlic naan or crusty bread are also perfect partners to mop up every last drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping dinner, slice the chicken and layer it over rice pilaf, fanning the pieces and drizzling with extra sauce. Or, serve family-style right from the skillet with a generous scatter of garnishes, letting everyone dig in. For casual lunches, try shredding leftover Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken and stuffing it into lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken stays delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors get even deeper overnight—sometimes leftovers are the best part!
Freezing
This recipe actually freezes beautifully—from the juicy chicken to the rich coconut sauce! Place cooled portions, with plenty of sauce, in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to keep everything silky and moist—just be careful not to overcook the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken dairy-free and gluten-free?
Absolutely! The sauce uses coconut milk, so it’s already dairy-free. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or even use cornstarch for dredging.
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What kind of coconut milk is best for this recipe?
Full-fat canned coconut milk is the way to go for the richest, creamiest sauce—light coconut milk will work in a pinch, but your sauce won’t be quite as velvety.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious in Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken—they stay juicy and soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. You may need to add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
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Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all—the sauce is creamy, citrusy, and mild as written. If you love a bit of heat, add some sliced chilies or red pepper flakes to the skillet or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine, Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is the mood-boosting, sunshiny meal that always delights. I hope you treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to this easy, flavor-packed dish—you’ll be amazed by how quickly it disappears from the table. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Coconut Lime Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, then baked in a luscious coconut milk and lime sauce, creating a dish that is both exotic and comforting.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 total chicken breasts)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, plus more for topping
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or sub coconut sugar)
- 2 limes
- 1 green onion, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or dutch oven over medium heat, then add the coconut oil and olive oil.
- Combine the flour and cilantro in a bowl, then coat each chicken breast with the mixture and pan-sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Mix coconut milk, broth, sugar, and juice from 1 lime in a bowl.
- Pour coconut milk mixture over chicken, bake for 10-15 minutes at 375°.
- Drizzle remaining lime juice over chicken, sprinkle with salt, pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
