Creamy, bright, and bursting with fresh tropical flavor, this Coconut Lime Chicken is an easy skillet dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Juicy chicken simmers in a rich coconut milk sauce with zesty lime, garlic, and ginger for a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect served over rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables.
Why This Recipe is a Winner!
- Ready in just 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Made in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- Creamy without heavy cream, thanks to rich coconut milk.
- Restaurant-quality taste that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for many families.
- Perfect for meal prep, as the flavors become even better the next day.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Yield:
Serves 4
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1:
I heated some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and added 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet.
I cooked the chicken breasts until they were nicely browned on both sides and then removed them and set them aside.
STEP 2:
I added some chopped onions to the skillet and cooked them for a few minutes.
I also added some minced garlic and ginger to the skillet.
STEP 3:
I added some coconut milk to the skillet, stirred well and brought it to a simmer.
STEP 4:
I stirred in some lime juice and lime zest and returned the seared chicken breasts to the skillet.
I simmered the dish until the chicken was fully cooked and the sauce was slightly thickened.
I added chopped cilantro right before serving.
Every bite is rich and velvety with creamy coconut sauce, while the fresh lime adds a bright, citrusy finish that keeps the dish light and incredibly flavorful.
Served over fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce, this is the kind of comforting meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
If you are looking for a simple and delicious chicken breast recipe, then you need to try this Coconut Lime Chicken!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful and may need an extra few minutes of cooking time.
Can I use light coconut milk?
- You can, but full-fat coconut milk creates a richer, creamier sauce. Light coconut milk will result in a thinner sauce with a milder coconut flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it a great meal prep option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Coconut Lime Chicken
Creamy, bright, and bursting with fresh tropical flavor, this Coconut Lime Chicken is an easy skillet dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes.
Juicy chicken simmers in a rich coconut milk sauce with zesty lime, garlic, and ginger for a simple weeknight meal that's perfect served over rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning halfway. until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, the sauce will look creamy and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the lime zest and lime juice. The zest provides bright citrus aroma, while the juice cuts through the richness of the coconut milk for perfect balance.
- Add the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables for a colorful, flavorful plate.
- Enjoy!4
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 388Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 39g
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Hi! My name is Erin and I have been here since 2016 sharing simple family friendly recipes that can be prepared by any home cook. Get ready to whip up delicious meals in no time!