Irresistible Coconut Turmeric Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Coconut turmeric chicken refines ordinary weeknight meals into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Bold spices dance with velvety coconut, creating a harmonious flavor profile that awakens hungry senses.

Warm golden hues and aromatic ingredients promise a sensational dining experience that feels both comforting and exotic.

Tender protein nestles beneath a luscious sauce, inviting eager palates to indulge in its complex layers.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of creamy textures and bright, zesty undertones.

Global influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated recipe, making dinner feel like a mini vacation.

Your kitchen will soon buzz with anticipation of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken: A Tropical Delight

• Burst of Tropical Flavors: The combination of coconut milk and lime creates a vibrant, zesty taste that transports your palate to a sunny beach vacation with every single bite.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: This one-skillet wonder allows you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: With 35 grams of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle growth, keeps you feeling full, and provides essential nutrients without compromising on incredible flavor.
• Creamy Texture Meets Bold Spices: The silky coconut milk sauce combines with aromatic spices to create a luxurious, smooth coating that makes each chicken piece incredibly tender and mouth-wateringly delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chickens natural flavor and create a delicious base.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth, sweetness, and complexity to the sauce.

• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, savory base for the sauce and helps develop a deeper flavor profile.
• Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, tropical texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy freshness and balances the creamy coconut sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a zesty, herbal finish and adds vibrant color to the final presentation.

• Mixed Spices: Blend of seasonings that add warmth and complexity to the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken breasts. Heat a skillet to medium-high and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Coconut milk
• Preferred spices

Allow the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken, developing a rich and creamy consistency.

Step 4: Finish Cooking Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is completely done.

Step 5: Add Bright Citrus Finish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, adding a zesty and vibrant flavor to the dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Plate the chicken and sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that combines creamy, tangy, and aromatic elements.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste, starting with smaller quantities and tasting as you go.
• Coconut Milk Selection: Choose full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Lime Juice Timing: Add lime juice just before serving to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter during cooking.
• Cilantro Freshness: Chop cilantro right before garnishing to maintain its vibrant color and maximum flavor impact.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect the chicken from absorbing other refrigerator odors. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for 2-3 months when properly stored.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Microwave works too – cover the chicken and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate coconut lime sauce.

Pairing Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken with Rice or Veggies

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lime's brightness and cuts through the creamy coconut sauce, enhancing the dish's tropical flavor profile.
• Serve Cilantro Rice: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice mixed with fresh chopped cilantro to echo the recipe's garnish and provide a perfect starchy base that absorbs the luxurious sauce.
• Match Tropical Side Salad: Create a light salad with mixed greens, mango chunks, and a lime vinaigrette that mirrors the chicken's citrusy notes and adds refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich main course.
• Pour Craft Coconut Beer: Select a light wheat beer or a coconut-infused craft brew that harmonizes with the coconut milk's sweetness and provides a cool, crisp accompaniment to the spiced chicken.

Fun Variations of Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

• Tropical Mango Fusion: Replace bell peppers with diced fresh mango for a sweeter profile and add a touch of ginger to complement the fruity notes.
• Spicy Caribbean Kick: Incorporate habanero peppers and jamaican jerk seasoning to transform the dish with bold, fiery flavors that punch up the original recipe.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Approach: Swap cilantro for fresh oregano and thyme, and introduce kalamata olives to give the chicken a Mediterranean-inspired essence with tangy undertones.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Mix in yellow curry powder and a tablespoon of red curry paste to create an Indian-inspired version that deepens the coconut milk's richness and adds complex spice layers.

Coconut Turmeric Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy coconut lime chicken brings tropical Caribbean flavors to your dinner table with tender chicken simmered in a luscious, zesty sauce. Fragrant cilantro and tangy lime elevate this easy one-pan meal that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4–6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 can (13.6 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Massage chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating of seasonings.
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and place chicken breasts, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and developing a caramelized exterior.
3. Transfer chicken to a clean plate, keeping the residual pan drippings for additional flavor development.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and incorporate diced onions, finely chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour in rich chicken stock, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and full-fat coconut milk, stirring continuously to create a harmonious, creamy sauce.
6. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and reduce, thickening for approximately 5-6 minutes while occasionally whisking.
7. Carefully reintroduce seared chicken breasts into the simmering coconut sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Finish the dish by drizzling freshly squeezed lime juice over the chicken, creating a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich sauce.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro leaves across the surface for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Swap regular milk for full-fat coconut milk to boost creamy richness and tropical flavor profile.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking times.
• Fresh lime juice adds bright acidity that cuts through the coconut milk’s heaviness.
• Searing chicken first locks in moisture and develops deeper caramelized exterior layers.
• Cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that complements the dish’s tangy and creamy elements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 150mg