Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a delightful blend of rich coconut milk and zesty lime juice that creates a flavorful, tender dish. It’s simple to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and pour in the coconut milk and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Cover and cook the chicken in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if desired. Serve warm with your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of grated ginger along with the garlic.
- Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and the best texture in the sauce.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be used if lime juice is unavailable, but lime provides a slightly sweeter, more tropical flavor that complements the coconut milk best.
PrintCreamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made from creamy coconut milk, zesty lime juice, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and brings a delightful balance of tangy and creamy flavors to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southeast Asian-inspired)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on each side for about 3-4 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add coconut milk and lime juice: Pour in the coconut milk and lime juice, then stir gently to combine all the ingredients in the skillet.
- Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and add additional salt or lime juice as desired. Serve the creamy coconut lime chicken hot, ideally over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some red chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies when sautéing the garlic.
- Using chicken thighs will result in juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, cilantro rice, or a light salad.
Keywords: Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken, coconut milk chicken, lime garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken

