Zesty Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe: Tropical Flavor Explosion

Sizzling aromas of zesty coconut lime chicken fill the kitchen with an irresistible tropical charm.

This vibrant dish blends tangy citrus notes with creamy coconut undertones for a mouthwatering meal.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to a beachside paradise.

The coconut lime chicken recipe promises a quick and delightful culinary adventure that breaks away from ordinary weeknight dinners.

Bright lime zest and rich coconut milk weave magic into tender chicken pieces, ensuring every bite bursts with excitement.

Succulent and simple, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right at your dining table.

Let’s find out this delectable journey and let your taste buds celebrate a perfect fusion of tropical ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 368 kcal

Servings: 7

Coconut Lime Chicken Ingredient Breakdown

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal visible fat for tender and juicy results, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Garlic, Onion, Ginger: Fresh ingredients provide depth and warmth, creating a robust flavor foundation that complements the coconut and lime profile.
• Fresh Lime: Adds bright, zesty notes and tenderizes the chicken with its natural acidity, while the zest intensifies the citrus essence.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy full-fat version creates a luxurious, rich sauce with authentic tropical texture and sweetness.
• Fish Sauce: Brings umami depth and classic Southeast Asian complexity to the dish, balancing the bright lime and creamy coconut.
• Avocado Oil: Neutral cooking oil with high smoke point ensures smooth sautéing without overpowering other delicate flavors.

• Red Chili: Adds optional heat and vibrant color, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Cilantro, Thai Basil: Fresh herbs contribute refreshing, aromatic layers that elevate the entire dish's sensory experience.

Tools to Make Coconut Lime Chicken Smoothly

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the delicious sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing ingredients like onion, garlic, and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for chopping and slicing ingredients with precision.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add accurate amounts of oil, fish sauce, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and flipping chicken during cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Zester or grater: Useful for creating fresh lime zest.

Steps to Cook Coconut Lime Chicken Right

• Chicken Preparation

Brown chicken breasts in a hot skillet with oil, creating a golden exterior. Set aside the seared meat for later cooking.

• Aromatic Base

Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the same pan until they become soft and develop a light golden color, releasing their rich fragrance.

• Creamy Coconut Sauce

Pour coconut milk into the pan, adding lime zest and optional chili. Allow the mixture to bubble and blend, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the skillet bottom.

• Simmering and Cooking

Return chicken to the pan, letting it gently cook in the creamy sauce. Ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature, turning once during the process to guarantee even cooking.

• Final Touches

Enhance the sauce with a splash of fish sauce and fresh lime juice. Season carefully with salt and sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving to create a vibrant, tangy finish.

Flavor Boosts for Coconut and Lime Combo

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Adjust chili amount or swap with different peppers like jalapeño or serrano for personalized heat intensity.
• Replace coconut milk with light cream or chicken broth if you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or mint instead of standard herbs to add unexpected zesty notes to the dish.
• Transform this recipe into a complete meal by adding cubed sweet potatoes or bell peppers during the simmering stage for extra nutrition and texture.

Serve Coconut Lime Chicken Over Rice or Noodles

• Tropical Plate Paradise: Serve this zesty chicken over fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious coconut lime sauce.
• Island-Style Side Kick: Pair with a crisp cucumber salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a refreshing crunch.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted coconut flakes on top for extra flavor and beautiful presentation that takes the dish from good to gourmet.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Add a small side of sriracha or chili oil for those who want an extra kick of heat to complement the coconut lime flavors.

Keep Coconut Chicken Fresh with Storage Tips

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up double the chicken recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and energy.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftover coconut lime chicken in sealed containers and consume within 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Carefully pack cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These meals stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly stored.
• Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Zesty Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Coconut lime chicken promises a tantalizing journey through tropical flavors, blending zesty citrus with creamy coconut. Quick preparation and bold spices make this dish a delightful meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3)
• 2 tbsps avocado oil or cooking oil of choice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup minced onion (yellow or white)
• 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 tsps lime zest
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 can (13.66 oz or 403 ml) full fat coconut milk
• lime wedges for serving
• thinly sliced red chili (optional)
• chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• chopped Thai basil (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature with cooking oil. Golden-brown chicken breasts on both sides for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a holding plate.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until onions turn translucent with a light caramel hue, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Sauce Development: Add chili peppers, lime zest, and coconut milk to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, using a wooden spoon to release browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
4. Cooking Chicken: Reduce heat to a simmer, return chicken to the sauce. Cover and cook for 14-20 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping midway through cooking.
5. Finishing Touches: Enhance sauce with fish sauce and lime juice. Season with salt, then garnish with fresh herbs just before serving to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile.

Notes

• Sear with Precision: Achieve a perfect golden-brown crust by ensuring the skillet is hot and chicken is patted dry before cooking.
• Aromatic Base Matters: Properly caramelize onions, garlic, and ginger to develop a deep, rich flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Simmer Smartly: Maintain a gentle simmer to keep chicken moist and tender, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
• Finish with Freshness: Add lime juice and herbs at the end to brighten the sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a vibrant and zesty finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg