Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious coconut milk and lime sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a vibrant and flavorful dish. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels exotic yet comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Oils and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 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-cilantro mixture, coating both sides thoroughly, then place directly into the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. When the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Mix well until everything is blended evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the seared 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), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish & Garnish: Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and chopped green onion for fresh flavor. Serve the chicken hot and enjoy your creamy coconut lime meal!
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for both searing and baking to simplify the process.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste or use coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe consumption.
- For extra zest, add lime zest along with lime juice to the sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Tropical
