Description
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with tangy lime zest and juice, aromatic cumin, and a hint of chili. This tropical-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy notes, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (for seasoning chicken)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground cumin to infuse a subtle warm flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the can of full-fat coconut milk, then add the lime zest, lime juice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, optional chili powder, and optional honey or maple syrup. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits left from searing the chicken to deepen the sauce’s flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to balance the flavor profile.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the creamy coconut lime chicken hot, accompanied by lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use coconut oil for a stronger coconut flavor and to keep the dish dairy-free.
- This recipe pairs excellently with steamed jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Adding roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish for a complete meal.
- For a lower calorie option, use light coconut milk but expect a slightly less creamy sauce.
