Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

The Zesty Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Nestled in a world of bold flavors, this creamy coconut lime chicken recipe promises a culinary adventure that dances across your taste buds.

Tropical ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish bursting with zesty brightness.

Fresh lime cuts through rich coconut smooth embrace, creating a perfect balance of tangy and creamy notes.

Fragrant herbs and spices whisper stories of distant shores and sun-drenched kitchens.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of deliciousness that feels both comforting and exotic.

Each bite transports you to a vibrant coastal landscape where flavors sing and hunger meets pure satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this remarkable meal.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Flavor Boost

  • Speed Demon Meal: Create deliciously spicy pizza rolls in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for quick dinner solutions or sudden hunger attacks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic buffalo chicken flavors with pizza roll format, making it irresistible for game nights, parties, or casual family dinners where everyone craves something zesty and satisfying.
  • Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like chicken type, cheese varieties, or sauce intensity to match personal taste preferences, allowing home cooks to experiment and make the recipe uniquely their own.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: No complex techniques needed – just basic mixing, rolling, and slicing skills make this recipe accessible for beginners and seasoned home chefs alike, ensuring successful results every single time.

Ingredients for Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary component of this creamy coconut lime dish.
  • Coconut Milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce with a subtle tropical flavor.
  • Lime: Adds bright, tangy citrus notes to balance the creamy sauce.
For the Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that create a flavor-packed foundation for the sauce.
For the Seasoning and Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce, Honey: Ingredients that add depth, umami, and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, herbal garnish to finish the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Coconut Lime Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and drizzle olive oil, spreading it evenly across the pan. Turn the heat to medium, allowing the oil to become shimmery and hot.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken breasts. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the heated skillet.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, roughly 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Unlock Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet with leftover chicken drippings, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma, about 30-45 seconds.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the ingredients to build the sauce:
  • Coconut milk
  • Lime zest
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey

Whisk everything together and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return the seared chicken back to the skillet.

Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken. Plate and enjoy the vibrant, tropical-inspired dish.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Lime Chicken

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easier preparation.
  • Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness, using less for a tangier sauce or more for a sweeter profile.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Substitute coconut milk with light coconut milk for a lower-calorie version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.

Flavor Twists for Coconut Lime Chicken

  • Spicy Thai Fusion: Replace honey with red curry paste and add a dash of chili flakes for a fiery, Southeast Asian-inspired version.
  • Tropical Mango Splash: Incorporate diced fresh mango and swap lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor profile.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Mix in fresh chopped basil and thyme instead of cilantro, and use white wine to deglaze the pan for an aromatic Mediterranean touch.
  • Coconut Curry Upgrade: Blend in mild curry powder and add sliced bell peppers for extra texture and a rich, complex taste.

Serving Ideas for Coconut Lime Chicken

  • Tropical Vacation Plate: Serve this coconut lime chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the creamy sauce to soak into each grain. Sprinkle extra cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
  • Beach Salad Bowl: Slice the chicken and arrange over a fresh mixed green salad with crisp cucumber, red bell peppers, and a drizzle of remaining pan sauce. Adds a light, refreshing twist to the main dish.
  • Wrap Adventure: Shred the chicken and stuff into warm tortillas with a tangy slaw, creating a zesty lunch option that transforms the original recipe into a handheld meal. Perfect for quick weekday lunches or casual gatherings.

Storage Tips for Coconut Lime Chicken

  • Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • When reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sauce from breaking and maintain its creamy consistency.
  • Warm the chicken in a covered skillet with a splash of additional coconut milk to prevent drying out. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • What makes the coconut lime sauce so flavorful?

The combination of coconut milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that coat the chicken beautifully.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re typically more tender and juicy, and will absorb the sauce flavors just as well as chicken breasts.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish is relatively healthy, providing lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from coconut milk, and added nutrients from fresh herbs and spices like ginger and cilantro.

Print
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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Coconut lime chicken sings with tropical flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Tender chicken bathed in rich coconut sauce delivers complex, zesty notes you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 limes (zest and juice)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature until shimmering.
  2. Generously season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
  3. Using the identical skillet, quickly toast minced garlic and ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for roughly 30-45 seconds.
  4. Pour coconut milk into the pan, incorporating lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk ingredients together, allowing the mixture to gently bubble and meld flavors for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, guaranteeing chicken reaches complete doneness with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface, providing a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Notes

  • Adjust heat carefully to prevent burning garlic and ensure even browning of chicken without drying out the meat.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk or half coconut milk and half chicken broth to reduce calories.
  • Marinate chicken beforehand in lime juice and herbs for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat texture.
  • Consider gluten-free options by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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