Description
Coconut lime chicken combines zesty Caribbean flavors in one irresistible dish. Succulent chicken thighs simmer in a creamy, tangy sauce that transports diners to tropical paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cooking Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 limes (juice)
- 1 lime (zest)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper across both surfaces for robust flavor enhancement.
- Ignite olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for perfect searing.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan, allowing 5-6 minutes of uninterrupted cooking per side until achieving a beautiful golden exterior and ensuring complete internal doneness.
- Transfer chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful skillet remnants.
- Introduce minced garlic into the same skillet, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
- Stream coconut milk into the pan, incorporating vibrant lime zest and tangy lime juice, whisking to create a harmonious blend.
- Integrate honey and optional red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and progressively thicken for 3-5 minutes.
- Reintroduce seared chicken into the creamy sauce, delicately coating each piece and warming through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Elevate the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro across the surface, creating a bright, herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or complementary side dish while sauce remains luxuriously warm.
Notes
- Adjust heat levels by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes for personalized spice preferences.
- Opt for low-fat coconut milk to create a lighter, healthier version of the sauce without compromising flavor.
- Marinate chicken beforehand in lime juice and herbs for enhanced tenderness and deeper taste profile.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative protein option for richer, more succulent results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg