Name: Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat); 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Zest of 1 lime; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 39 reviews

If you’re craving a dish bursting with tropical flavors and a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes, then this Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Picture juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce brightened with fresh lime juice and aromatic spices. Every bite feels like a mini escape to a sunny beachside hut, where simplicity meets incredible flavor in the most delightful way. This recipe is not only easy to put together but it also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that promises a taste sensation you won’t forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with three golden-brown grilled pieces of meat placed on a bed of finely shredded white coconut. The bowl contains a creamy yellow sauce with small bubbles, partially soaking the coconut and meat. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top of the meat and coconut, adding vibrant color. Three lime wedges are arranged around the bowl, two standing on their sides and one resting on top of a piece of meat, showing fresh juicy segments. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean, fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each item contributes uniquely to the flavor, texture, and color, making the dish vibrant and satisfying without any fuss.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean, tender base that soaks up the coconut lime sauce beautifully.
1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat): Adds creamy richness and a subtle sweetness that complements the lime perfectly.
1⁄4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed): Brings fresh acidity and brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses deep aroma and a gentle bite to the sauce.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Balances the flavors with a touch of salty umami.
1 tablespoon honey: Adds a hint of natural sweetness that harmonizes all the bold flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthy warmth and depth to the dish.
1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander: Introduces a subtle citrusy undertone that pairs perfectly with the lime.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken, ensuring a deliciously crispy exterior.
Zest of 1 lime: Intensifies the lime flavor with fragrant oils from the peel.
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal lift and a beautiful green pop of color.
Lime wedges, for serving: To add an extra splash of zing at the table.

How to Make Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander. This simple seasoning lays the groundwork for the vibrant flavors to come.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown. This step locks in the juiciness and adds a wonderful caramelized flavor before cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Lime Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant but not burnt—about 30 seconds. Then stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and lime zest. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and thicken slightly, around 5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook through for another 8-10 minutes, spooning the sauce over to keep them moist. The chicken will absorb those tropical flavors and become truly tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the chicken. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for that extra citrus punch.

How to Serve Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of a food processor bowl filled with a creamy, light green sauce that has small pieces of green herbs mixed throughout. The sauce texture looks smooth with tiny air bubbles on the surface. Inside the bowl, a white blade is partially covered with the sauce, showing a mix of creamy and herb bits. The bowl itself is clear, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a must—it brings a lively color and herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts with the rich sauce. Lime wedges are essential too, offering guests the option to add their own zesty twist that elevates the overall dish.

Side Dishes

Coconut Lime Chicken goes beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce magnificently. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the chicken on a bed of coconut rice for super indulgence or tuck the chicken into warm tortillas for an island-inspired taco night. Another fun idea is to serve it with grilled pineapple slices for a sweet and smoky accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with the tropical flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers an exciting second meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce in a suitable freezer container for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave on a lower power setting to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk can help restore sauce creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay even juicier when cooked in the coconut lime sauce. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully done.

Is it necessary to use full-fat coconut milk?

Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest, creamiest texture and best flavor for this recipe. Light coconut milk can be used, but the sauce might be thinner and less luxurious.

How do I make this dish spicier?

If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or serve with sliced fresh chili on the side. It adds warmth without overpowering the delicate coconut lime balance.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken with the seasonings and lime juice a few hours ahead to deepen the flavors. Just keep the sauce separate and combine everything during cooking for best results.

What other herbs can I use instead of cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley or basil can be great substitutes, each bringing a slightly different herbal note that complements the dish nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is a little treasure that brings a burst of sunshine to any meal. Its effortless blend of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and warm spices is sure to impress your family or guests. Give it a try—I promise the flavors will transport you, and the ease of preparation will keep you coming back for more.