Name: Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp coconut oil; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup coconut milk; 2/3 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar; 2 limes; 1 green onion, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dish that’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh tropical flavor, Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is the answer. Succulent chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious coconut milk sauce, scented with lime, cilantro, and a touch of sweetness. It’s that recipe you quickly memorize and return to each time you crave something cozy with a bright, sunny twist. This is the kind of meal that looks impressive on the table but feels like a comforting hug.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients create such complex flavors! Each component in Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken serves an essential role—bringing creaminess, tang, color, or just a burst of fresh aroma. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 lb.): The perfect blank canvas for soaking up all the zesty, creamy flavors.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Adds a delicate crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh and vibrant, it elevates everything with its unmistakable aroma and green flecks.
Coconut oil (2 tbsp): Infuses more coconut flavor and helps the chicken turn golden during searing.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): For balanced richness and a silkier finish.
Garlic clove (1, minced): Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
Coconut milk (1 cup): The heart of the creaminess with a delicate sweetness.
Chicken broth (2/3 cup): Boosts umami without overpowering the lighter flavors.
Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Rounds out acidity and enhances caramel notes; coconut sugar works too!
Limes (2): Their juice brings the essential zing and cuts through the richness.
Green onion (chopped, for garnish): Adds crunch and a splash of color right at the end.
Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this ensures even, gentle cooking for juicy chicken. Having a good oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven ready is also key so you can go right from stovetop to oven without missing a beat.

Step 2: Prep the Dredge

In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and half the chopped cilantro. This little mix will coat each chicken breast, laying the foundation for that irresistible golden crust and an extra touch of herbal brightness that shows up with every bite.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Set your oven-safe skillet over medium heat, adding the coconut oil and olive oil. Once shimmering, dredge each chicken breast in the flour-cilantro blend. Gently lay the chicken in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. You want a light brown color here—just enough to seal in the juiciness and start building flavor. When the second side is almost done, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce

While the chicken browns, whisk together coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice from one lime. This creamy, citrusy blend is truly the secret behind every dreamy bite of Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken!

Step 5: Bake in the Oven

Take the skillet off the heat and immediately pour the coconut lime mixture over the seared chicken. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F at the thickest part). The sauce will bubble, thicken, and infuse the chicken with tropical goodness.

Step 6: Brighten and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle with the juice of the remaining lime. Sprinkle on extra chopped cilantro, green onions, salt, and pepper for bold color and fresh flavor. Take a moment to admire your Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken—then dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Garnishes

You’ll want to finish Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, green onions, and a final squeeze of lime. These toppings add brightness and a pop of vibrant color that really brings the plate alive—don’t hold back!

Side Dishes

This dish is calling out for fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce. Steamed green beans, broccolini, or sugar snap peas also play off the creamy richness beautifully. If you’re feeling bold, roasted sweet potatoes add a lovely earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of rice, then ladling the coconut lime sauce over the top. For a dinner party vibe, serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken family style, garnished with extra lime wedges and a scatter of fresh herbs. Leftovers also make phenomenal tacos or grain bowls—just slice, reheat, and layer on your favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors somehow get even cozier overnight.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen, but this one holds up surprisingly well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of extra coconut milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave heating also works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and give Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken an even richer, more succulent texture.

Is canned coconut milk or carton coconut milk better?

Canned coconut milk is the way to go. It’s creamier and richer, lending that luxurious texture and flavor Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is famous for.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild as written, but you can turn up the heat by adding sliced chili, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.

Can I make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken dairy free?

This dish is already blissfully dairy free thanks to coconut milk. Just double-check that your chicken broth doesn’t contain any hidden dairy for a totally safe option!

What should I do if the sauce is too thin?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes on the stovetop after removing the chicken, or stir in an extra spoonful of flour before baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, feel-good dish that comes together with real ingredients and a handful of steps, Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is your new go-to. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a favorite in your home, too—give it a try and let every bite transport you somewhere sunny and delicious!

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a cilantro-infused flour, seared to perfection, then baked in a luscious coconut milk and lime sauce. The result is a creamy, tangy, and aromatic dish that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Add coconut oil and olive oil. Combine flour and cilantro, then coat each chicken breast in the mixture. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
Mix the sauce: While the chicken is searing, mix coconut milk, broth, sugar, and juice from 1 lime in a bowl.
Bake: Remove skillet from heat, pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle lime juice over the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, extra cilantro, and green onions. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Searing
Cuisine: Tropical, Fusion