If you love bold flavors with a hint of tropical flair, this Coconut Lime Chicken is a must-try! Juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs are bathed in a rich and creamy coconut-lime sauce, infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of spice. It’s an easy, one pan dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes!
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even low-carb options like cauliflower rice. The balance of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and a hint of heat makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Garnish with peanuts, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes for a finishing touch. Try this flavorful meal today!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp flour (can use gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp light olive oil or rapeseed oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 green jalapeno, finely diced
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (purée)
- 1 tsp Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 400 g (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 3 tbsp coconut cream (optional)
- Zest of 1 lime
For serving:
- 2 tbsp salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 5 spring onions, finely diced
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Lime wedges
Directions:
- Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and lightly dust with flour on both sides.
- Heat the coconut oil and olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for a few minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Add the lime juice to the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, ginger, and diced jalapeno. Stir in the shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Mix in the tomato paste, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir well.
- Pour in the coconut milk and coconut cream, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the pan and add the lime zest. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions, peanuts, fresh coriander, and red pepper flakes. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 651 kcal | Servings: 4
Coconut Lime Chicken: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder
Coconut Lime Chicken is the perfect blend of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and a touch of spice, making it a favorite for anyone who loves bold flavors. This dish, inspired by Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a luscious sauce made from coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from jalapenos and Sriracha. The result? A dish that is both comforting and vibrant, packed with layers of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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One-Pan Convenience:
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because everything cooks in a single pan. Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal rather than washing dishes. -
Fast and Easy:
With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is an excellent choice. -
Rich and Creamy Yet Light and Fresh:
The beauty of this dish lies in the balance of flavors. The creamy coconut milk and coconut cream create a luxurious texture, while the lime juice and zest add a fresh, tangy contrast. It’s indulgent yet not too heavy, making it suitable for all seasons. -
Customizable and Dietary-Friendly:
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free flour for dusting the chicken.
- It’s easy to make low-carb by serving it with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of traditional rice.
- If you want a milder version, simply reduce the amount of jalapenos and Sriracha.
Origins and Inspiration
Coconut-based dishes are a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly in Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian cooking. Coconut milk adds depth and richness to curries, soups, and stews, while lime juice is often used to brighten up the flavors. This Coconut Lime Chicken recipe takes inspiration from these traditional dishes but simplifies the process for a quick and easy home-cooked meal.
The combination of coconut and lime is a classic in tropical cuisines because it balances creaminess with acidity. The lime juice not only enhances the taste but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it even more flavorful. The addition of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce gives the dish an umami depth, while Sriracha and jalapenos add just the right amount of spice.
Best Ways to Serve Coconut Lime Chicken
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some serving ideas:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic choice, as it absorbs the creamy coconut sauce beautifully.
- Basmati Rice: A great alternative if you prefer longer grains with a light and fluffy texture.
- Coconut Rice: If you love coconut, doubling up with coconut-infused rice makes for a deliciously rich pairing.
- Noodles: Serve it over rice noodles or even egg noodles for a comforting bowl of goodness.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that still soaks up all the flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or bok choy add a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Crispy Bread or Naan: Use a warm, crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Tips for the Best Coconut Lime Chicken
To ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and perfectly cooked, here are some pro tips:
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is crucial for achieving a rich and creamy sauce. Light coconut milk may result in a thinner sauce that lacks depth.
- Sear the Chicken First: Browning the chicken in coconut oil or olive oil before braising adds extra flavor. This step helps develop a golden crust, sealing in the juices.
- Don’t Skip the Lime Zest: While lime juice provides acidity, lime zest adds an extra punch of citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference: If you love extra heat, add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jalapeno or omit it altogether.
- Let It Simmer: After adding the coconut milk, let the chicken simmer gently to absorb all the flavors. Cooking it too fast at high heat may cause the coconut milk to separate.
Variations to Try
Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different variations to keep things interesting:
- Swap Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts: If you prefer white meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. Butterfly them for even cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in baby spinach, peas, bell peppers, or green beans to add color and nutrients.
- Make It Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Use Different Proteins: Try shrimp, fish, or even thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. The sauce pairs well with various proteins.
- Make It Creamier: If you love extra creaminess, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or heavy cream at the end.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Coconut Lime Chicken is a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors deepen when stored. Here’s how you can store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm it up on the stove over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it.
Conclusion
Coconut Lime Chicken is a dish that brings together bold flavors in a simple, weeknight-friendly recipe. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just want to enjoy a restaurant quality meal at home, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, aromatic spices, and juicy chicken creates a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy your cravings.
Give this dish a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation! If you make it, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. Let us know how it turns out and what you paired it with. Happy cooking!