Make this bright and zesty Coconut Lime Chicken in one pan for a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce balances perfectly with fresh lime.
Author:Avery
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:Fusion
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 small shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, for balance)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced shallot and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the ground ginger. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and optional sugar or honey. Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken cook through for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or lime juice as needed for your preference.
Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving immediately over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
For a Whole30 or Paleo option, skip the optional sugar or honey and ensure your chicken broth is compliant.
If you prefer thicker chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before cutting to promote faster, even cooking.
This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low cleanup dinner.