If you love vibrant, tropical flavors that come together quickly and satisfy every craving, then this Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This dish perfectly balances the creamy, lightly sweet coconut milk with the zesty brightness of fresh lime, all wrapped around tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor and simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone at your table with this delightful, fragrant skillet creation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role, from the richness of coconut milk to the fresh zing of lime. They’re all straightforward and easily found, yet combine to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps give the chicken a light, crispy coating when seared.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully.
- 2 tbsp coconut oil: Infuses subtle coconut flavor and ensures a nice sear on the chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Balances the fat content and helps in cooking the chicken evenly.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Brings an aromatic punch that complements the coconut and lime.
- 1 cup coconut milk: The creamy base that makes the sauce dreamy and smooth.
- 2/3 cup chicken broth: Adds savory richness and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tangy lime and savory coconut.
- 2 limes: Provide zest and juice for that unmistakable citrus kick.
- 1 green onion, chopped: Used as a garnish to add color and a mild onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the ingredients.
How to Make Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later. Then, heat the coconut oil and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. This combination of oils gives a lovely flavor base to your chicken and helps achieve that perfect golden sear.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Mix together the all-purpose flour and chopped cilantro in a shallow dish. This simple mixture is key to adding a subtle texture and herbal note to the chicken. Dredge each chicken breast in this coating, making sure all sides are covered evenly for maximum flavor and a little crust.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Once your skillet is shimmering with oil, add the coated chicken breasts. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a nice, light brown crust. This not only locks in the juices but also builds layers of flavor that will shine through in the finished dish.
Step 4: Add Garlic to the Pan
After the chicken has browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step allows the garlic to bloom without burning, imparting that essential aromatic base for your sauce.
Step 5: Make the Coconut Lime Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice from one of the limes. This sauce is the heart of the Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe, balancing creamy richness with a lively citrus tang.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken in the Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and pour the coconut lime sauce directly over the chicken. Transfer the whole skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is juicy and perfectly cooked through.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Lime and Garnishes
Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining lime juice over the chicken to boost that fresh zing. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and an extra pinch of cilantro if you like. These simple touches brighten the dish visually and enhance the flavor, making every bite a joy.
How to Serve Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and cilantro add bursts of color and flavor that make the dish pop. A final squeeze of lime juice right before serving can elevate the flavors even more, bringing brightness and a fresh finish that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a light and crunchy contrast, try serving it alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. The tropical flavors also complement sweet potato mash or quinoa for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, consider plating this dish over a colorful bed of coconut-infused rice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top. Garnish with lime wedges and even edible flowers for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes. Layering components on a platter for family-style serving can also turn this simple skillet meal into a festive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop further overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Warm slowly to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe, offering even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditionally, it’s not gluten-free because of the flour coating. However, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or almond flour to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.
What can I use if I don’t have coconut milk?
Full-fat coconut milk gives the sauce its creamy tropical flavor, but in a pinch, you can use heavy cream or a blend of milk and a little coconut extract. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite as pronounced, but it will still be tasty.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked and juicy, preventing overcooking which can dry it out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This entire Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream. Just make sure the coconut oil and other ingredients you use haven’t been cross-contaminated if you’re strict about dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about this Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe that makes it a winner every time. The harmony of flavors, simple steps, and beautiful presentation come together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to bring a touch of tropical magic to your weeknight dinners!
Print
Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Tropical
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a zesty coconut milk sauce with fresh lime and cilantro, perfectly baked to juicy perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that combines tropical and tangy flavors for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oils
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 limes (juice separated)
- 1 green onion, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken to juicy perfection after searing.
- Heat Oils in Skillet: Place an oven-safe skillet on medium heat and add the coconut oil and olive oil, allowing them to warm and combine their flavors.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the chopped cilantro, then season with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast evenly in this mixture to create a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the coated chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until the chicken is lightly browned, sealing in the juices.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to combine with the oils and chicken.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice of one lime to create a creamy and tangy sauce.
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Remove the skillet from heat and pour the prepared coconut lime sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and Garnish: Once baked, drizzle the remaining lime juice over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and extra cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking garlic.
- Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
