Coconut Lime Chicken (Print Version)
Tender chicken in creamy coconut-lime sauce with aromatic garlic and ginger.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 pounds)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Marinade & Sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
08 - Zest of 1 lime
09 - Juice of 2 limes
10 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - Lime wedges for serving
# Steps:
01 - Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Pour in coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Remove the lid and continue simmering uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
07 - Transfer chicken to serving plates and spoon the coconut-lime sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce thickens into this gorgeous velvety consistency that clings perfectly to every bite
- Everything happens in one pan, so you spend less time cleaning and more time eating
02 -
- Resist the urge to crank the heat, coconut milk can separate and become grainy if it boils too aggressively
- The sauce will continue thickening as it rests off the heat, so do not reduce it too much during cooking
03 -
- Pat your chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning for the best sear
- Taste your sauce before adding the chicken, adjusting lime or honey to hit your perfect balance