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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a delightful, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. This one-skillet meal combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, tangy coconut lime sauce, all baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. The blend of creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and aromatic cilantro creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free/Paleo)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ⅔ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar; omit for Whole30)
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix the flour and chopped cilantro. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture, coating evenly.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and olive oil. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of searing.
  4. Make the sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice from 1 lime in a separate bowl.
  5. Bake the chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the chicken, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra cilantro, and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Thin the chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise for quicker, more even cooking.
  • Adjust for dietary needs: Use arrowroot starch instead of flour for a gluten-free or Paleo version. Omit the sugar for Whole30 compliance.
  • Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini while baking for extra nutrition.
  • Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it stays juicy and tender.

Nutrition