Description
Coconut lime chicken brings tropical flavors to classic dinner fare. Simple ingredients combine for a quick, zesty meal that satisfies without complexity. You’ll savor each bite of this island-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Liquids and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for the chicken.
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Introduce coconut milk, freshly squeezed lime juice, and vibrant lime zest into the skillet. Incorporate cumin, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes, allowing the flavors to meld together during a 2-3 minute simmer.
- Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, gently coating them with the fragrant sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches complete doneness and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately atop a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to absorb the delectable sauce.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heating and prevent tough meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating red pepper flakes for mild palates or adding extra for heat lovers.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg