If you love dishes that bring together bright, tropical flavors with rich, comforting creaminess, then you are in for a treat with this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe. This dish masterfully balances zesty lime and fragrant coconut milk with tender chicken breasts, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. The blend of herbs, a touch of sweetness, and a velvety sauce will surely become a weeknight favorite that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy coconut milk that forms the luscious sauce to the fresh cilantro and lime that awaken the flavors, every component enhances the dish’s taste, texture, and vibrant appearance.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender results.
- All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken lightly, helping achieve a golden sear.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and a hint of citrus aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
- Coconut oil: Brings a subtle tropical note and perfect for searing chicken.
- Olive oil: Combines with coconut oil to prevent burning and create a rich crust.
- Garlic clove: Minced to provide a fragrant savory lift.
- Coconut milk: The creamy base of the sauce, offering richness and sweetness.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while adding depth.
- Brown sugar: Balances the tang with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Fresh lime juice: Divided between the sauce and finishing drizzle for burst of acidity.
- Green onions: Chopped for crunchy, fresh garnish.
- Extra cilantro: For finishing touches and vibrant color.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken perfectly after searing. This ensures an even cook through and a juicy interior.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add both coconut oil and olive oil. Mix the flour with chopped cilantro in a small bowl, then dredge each chicken breast in this flavorful coating. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Just before finishing, toss in your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Lime Sauce
While your chicken is searing, whisk together coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of one lime in a bowl. This mixture will bring a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the seared chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Remove the skillet from heat and pour the coconut sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This step infuses the chicken with the luscious sauce while keeping it moist.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Take the skillet out of the oven and drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken to add a fresh, citrusy brightness. Season with salt, pepper, and scatter chopped green onions and extra cilantro on top. Your Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Bright green cilantro, finely sliced green onions, and a final splash of lime juice add fresh flavors and a pop of color that invites you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This creamy and tangy chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every drop of the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also make excellent sides, bringing additional texture and balancing freshness to this rich dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of rice noodles or tucked inside warm tortillas for an inspired taco-style meal. You can also plate it alongside a mango salsa or avocado slices for extra creaminess and tropical contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any remaining Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again without losing the integrity of the sauce.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you’d like to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it can be stored for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the creaminess of the sauce and avoid drying out the chicken. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to evenly warm the dish while keeping it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful when cooked in the creamy coconut lime sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope, this recipe is mild and focuses on creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Can I substitute coconut milk?
Coconut milk is key for the creamy texture and subtle tropical flavor here, so it’s best not to substitute it with regular milk or cream. Light coconut milk can be used for a lighter version, but whole coconut milk gives the richest results.
Do I have to bake the chicken after searing?
Baking ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender inside while allowing it to soak in the luscious sauce. You could cook it all on the stovetop, but the flavor and texture might not be as balanced.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is a standout dish that effortlessly combines tropical flavors with savory comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving something fresh and satisfying on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a delicious part of your recipe rotation!
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 (Tropical/Caribbean-inspired)
Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a cilantro-flour mixture, seared to golden perfection, and then baked in a luscious sauce made from coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and fresh lime juice. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines creamy richness with zesty citrus notes, perfect for a comforting and slightly tropical meal.
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 Fats
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 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, combine the flour and chopped cilantro. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until they are golden brown. When the chicken is nearly done searing, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, in a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime until well blended.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from heat and pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and chopped green onion. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy coconut lime chicken!
Notes
- Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to prevent accidents when transferring to the oven.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile and a healthier alternative.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid undercooking; 165°F (74°C) is the safe temperature for poultry.
- Adjust the lime juice according to your preferred level of citrus tang.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
