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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Massage chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating of seasonings.
- 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.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate, keeping the residual pan drippings for additional flavor development.
- 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.
- Pour in rich chicken stock, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and full-fat coconut milk, stirring continuously to create a harmonious, creamy sauce.
- Allow the sauce to gently simmer and reduce, thickening for approximately 5-6 minutes while occasionally whisking.
- Carefully reintroduce seared chicken breasts into the simmering coconut sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
- Continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish the dish by drizzling freshly squeezed lime juice over the chicken, creating a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich sauce.
- 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