This Easy Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a tropical delight! With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and zesty lime, it’s a dish that brings sunshine to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and tender. If you’re looking for a change, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives a rich creaminess that makes the sauce luscious. If you’re after a lighter option, use light coconut milk, but it might be less creamy. Almond milk can also be substituted, though it will taste different.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, feel free to use broccoli or snap peas instead for similar textures.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime is key for a zesty kick. While bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, fresh really makes a difference in flavor! You can also use lemon juice if limes aren’t available.
Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh taste to the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative and still adds some color.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking it. Here’s how to ensure juicy chicken:
- Use medium-high heat to quickly sear both sides of the chicken, locking in moisture.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for a couple of minutes before slicing or serving. This helps redistribute the juices.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken paired with a delightful creamy coconut lime sauce every time! Happy cooking!
Easy Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
For Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: coconut flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 20 minutes to cook. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a tropical feast ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step adds flavor to the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat your olive or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s softened, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth while stirring to combine everything. Next, whisk in the lime zest and lime juice to bring out that tangy flavor we love!
5. Add the Vegetables:
Time to add the green beans to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow the green beans to become tender but still crisp.
6. Reheat the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to bring the chicken back into the mix! Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of that creamy sauce over the top. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes, just to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
7. Finish with Cilantro:
Once everything is heated, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add coconut flakes for an extra touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken hot with rice, quinoa, or noodles. Make sure to scoop up that delicious sauce—it’s the best part!
This dish combines tender chicken with a bright, creamy, and slightly tangy sauce featuring coconut milk and fresh lime. The green beans add a fresh crunch, and the cilantro garnish gives it a vibrant finish. Enjoy your tropical meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, and tofu should be pan-fried until golden brown.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the onion and garlic while sautéing. For a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the coconut milk mixture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time! Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat gently in a skillet and add the green beans to warm through. This way, you can enjoy the meal freshly made!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of coconut milk if it thickens too much during reheating.
