If you are craving a dish that beautifully balances zesty citrus, rich creaminess, and tender chicken, look no further than this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this recipe combines the tropical sweetness of coconut milk with the refreshing tang of lime, creating an unforgettable meal that feels both decadent and light. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with something exotic yet easy to prepare. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, essential ingredients where each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken breasts providing a hearty base to the fragrant cilantro that adds a fresh pop of green, this list ensures your dish is balanced and exciting.
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks tender and juicy.
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour: Helps create a light coating for the chicken, giving it a slight crispiness and aiding sauce thickening.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Adds a bright, herbal freshness that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Infuses a subtle coconut aroma and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a well-rounded base for searing without overpowering flavor.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Offers a gentle pungent warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup coconut milk: The creamy element that delivers the signature tropical smoothness.
- 2/3 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while contributing savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Juice of 2 limes, divided: Provides bright citrus tang, with one part for cooking and one to finish the dish.
- Green onion, chopped: Adds a subtle onion crunch and fresh color as garnish.
- Extra cilantro, chopped: For sprinkling over the top to brighten and decorate.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Getting your oven ready is key for even cooking and perfectly baked chicken. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your chicken is ready to go in. This step ensures the chicken finishes cooking thoroughly without drying out.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
This step is where flavor really starts to build. Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the coconut and olive oils, creating a rich cooking base. Mix the flour and chopped cilantro together—this mixture not only flavors but also helps develop a golden crust. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating them evenly, then place in the skillet to sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Just before removing, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to unleash that irresistible garlic aroma.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While your chicken is searing, combine the creamy coconut milk, savory chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice of one lime in a bowl. Stir these together until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. This luscious sauce is the heart of the dish, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy notes that marry perfectly with the chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Once your chicken has a gorgeous sear, remove the skillet from heat. Pour the coconut milk sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is bathed in the flavorful liquid. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring juiciness and safety.
Step 5: Finish & Garnish
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken. This adds a fresh burst of citrus zing just before serving. Finally, sprinkle salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and green onion on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve hot and get ready to enjoy a creamy, flavorful feast!
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro and green onion are not just for decoration—they add layers of fresh, grassy notes that perfectly contrast the creamy sauce. A good squeeze of lime at the end brightens every bite, enhancing the dish’s tropical vibe. Don’t skimp on these final touches, since they elevate the experience from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes depending on your mood. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice soaks up the sauce marvelously. For a lighter option, roasted or sautéed green vegetables like snap peas, asparagus, or broccoli provide a crisp, fresh balance. You can also serve it alongside a vibrant mango salsa for added sweetness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken in shallow bowls topped with extra cilantro leaves and thinly sliced chilies for a color pop. Consider garnishing with toasted coconut flakes for an added texture surprise. Alternatively, plate the chicken over a bed of rice pilaf mixed with fresh herbs and lime zest for a restaurant-worthy presentation that feels special yet approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is fantastic as leftovers and keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and the chicken’s tenderness. This makes for an easy next-day lunch or dinner option without losing any flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freezing works well too. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. For best quality, consume within two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming and quality texture.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick after reheating to restore its luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and flavor, and they stay juicy during cooking. Just be sure to adjust baking time slightly as thighs might take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is coconut milk the same as coconut cream?
Not quite. Coconut milk is thinner and perfect for sauces like this recipe, whereas coconut cream is thicker and richer, often used in desserts. For this dish, full-fat coconut milk gives the best creamy texture without being overly heavy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk and oils instead of butter or cream. It’s a great option for those avoiding dairy yet craving a creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for fresh cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be used as a milder, similar substitute to add fresh herbal notes. However, the citrusy flavor unique to cilantro is part of what makes the dish special, so try to include it if possible.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and memorable. Its bright, creamy, and comforting flavors hit all the right notes whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious coconut milk sauce brightened by fresh lime juice and cilantro. The dish is baked to perfection, delivering a tangy, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
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 tablespoons 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, mix the flour and chopped cilantro together. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides, then place directly into the hot skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. When the chicken is almost done searing, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, combine coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Stir until well blended.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish & Garnish: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and green onion. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes when searing the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (American with tropical influences)
