If you are craving something that beautifully blends tropical flavors with a creamy, tangy sauce, you will fall in love with this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful dish where tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then baked in a luscious sauce made from coconut milk, zesty lime juice, and a touch of brown sugar. Each bite bursts with freshness and a subtle sweetness that feels like a sunny vacation on your plate. This recipe is not only simple to make but also impressive enough to share with family or friends any night of the week.

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe are straightforward but essential, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each element brings something special, from the creamy coconut milk to the bright lime juice and fragrant cilantro, making this dish truly unforgettable.

2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy after baking.
1/4 cup all purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a golden sear.
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Adds fresh, herbal brightness right in the coating mixture.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every component.
2 tablespoons coconut oil: Brings a subtle tropical scent and helps in searing.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances oils for perfect browning.
1 garlic clove, minced: Delivers a savory punch and depth of flavor.
1 cup coconut milk: The creamy base of the sauce that makes it indulgent.
2/3 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and adds savory richness.
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Adds gentle sweetness to balance the acidity.
Juice of 2 limes, divided: Injects fresh citrus zing, perfectly lifting the dish.
Green onion, chopped: For fresh, mild onion flavor at the end.
Extra cilantro, chopped: Garnishes the finished dish with a burst of color and aroma.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get started by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that when your chicken is ready to bake, the oven is perfectly heated to cook the chicken evenly and lock in all those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Now, heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the coconut oil and olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the flour and chopped cilantro, which creates a lightly herb-infused crust. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, coating both sides well, then place them into the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden and caramelized. Just before you finish searing, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds. This releases its vibrant aroma, setting a savory base for the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is sizzling, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of one lime in a bowl. This combination perfectly balances creaminess, sweetness, and tang, forming the heart of the sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently pour the coconut milk mixture over the seared chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through, tender, and juicy.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the chicken is baked, take the skillet out of the oven and drizzle the juice from the remaining lime over the top. Sprinkle everything with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and vibrant green onion for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and savor the delicious layers of this creamy, tangy dish!

How to Serve Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding freshly chopped cilantro and green onions as garnishes adds a lovely contrast in texture and a pop of green that brightens the plate. A final squeeze of lime juice right before serving instantly elevates the flavor, making each bite refreshingly zesty alongside the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant basmati, which soaks up the rich coconut lime sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed or sautéed veggies like broccoli or green beans add a crunchy, healthy balance without overpowering the flavors of your chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant touch, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of coconut-infused rice and drizzle the sauce artistically around the plate. You can also garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an added tropical crunch, making your presentation as exciting as the flavors themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld nicely overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken along with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to prevent curdling of the coconut milk sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much—this refreshes it beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs would add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the proper internal temperature.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe is more about balancing creamy and tangy flavors rather than heat. However, you can easily add some chili flakes or fresh chopped chili if you want to introduce a subtle kick.

Can I use canned light coconut milk?

Yes, canned light coconut milk works well and will result in a lighter version of the sauce while still maintaining the essential creaminess and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest method is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should also feel firm but still juicy when sliced.

Can I prepare this recipe entirely on the stovetop?

You can, by searing the chicken and then simmering it gently in the sauce until cooked through. However, finishing it in the oven helps achieve a perfect texture and melds flavors more evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when craving something vibrant yet comforting. The blend of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and perfectly cooked chicken is just irresistible, and the simple steps make it fun and approachable to cook at home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it brings a little tropical sunshine to your dinner table!

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe features tender, golden-browned chicken breasts simmered in a luscious coconut milk and lime sauce. With a blend of aromatic cilantro, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar, this dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Ideal for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, it combines baking and stovetop searing techniques for a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 chicken breasts)
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Oils and Aromatics

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk
2/3 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
Juice of 2 limes, divided

Garnish

Green onion, chopped
Extra cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and olive oil. In a small bowl, mix the flour and chopped cilantro together. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, coating both sides. Place the coated chicken breasts directly into the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. When the chicken is almost cooked through, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, combine coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Stir until well blended.
Bake the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish & Garnish: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra chopped cilantro, and chopped green onion. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the skillet is oven-safe to prevent any damage when transferring to the oven.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes while preparing the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful coconut lime sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion (American with Tropical/Asian influences)