There's nothing quite like the tangy, tropical aroma of Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken filling your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety coconut sauce with zesty lime is a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and invigorating. This dish makes any weeknight feel like a mini-vacation, whisking you away to a tropical paradise in just one bite.
I discovered this recipe when I was craving something fresh and vibrant yet easy to make for my family. The balance of flavors was so perfect that it instantly became a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for impressing guests or satisfying a picky eater’s palate.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this delightful dish. Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is not only a breeze to prepare but also a unique twist on a classic creamy chicken recipe.
First of all, this recipe is ridiculously easy and fast. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something impressive without much fuss. From start to finish, the whole process is so seamless that it’s practically effortless.
Second, the flavor combination is a perfect balance of richness and zest. The creamy coconut milk adds a luscious texture to the sauce, while the fresh lime juice and zest cut through the richness, providing a burst of freshness. It’s a tropical escape you can experience from the comfort of your dining table.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy white rice, tender quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking to keep things low-carb. Want to bulk up the meal with vegetables? Bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach make wonderful additions and add vibrant color.
Finally, it’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, which means it caters to a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family member with allergies or just want a wholesome, nourishing dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken lies in its thoughtfully chosen, simple ingredients that create an explosion of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each component essential.
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They stay juicy and don’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts. However, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work well too, just be mindful of cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, richest sauce. This ingredient is the heart of the dish, creating a luscious texture and slightly sweet undertone that pairs beautifully with the lime. Light coconut milk will result in a thinner sauce, so keep that in mind if you choose to substitute.
Lime: You’ll need both the juice and zest of fresh limes. The zest is key for a bright, citrusy aroma that permeates the dish, while the juice provides the tangy kick that balances the coconut milk’s creaminess. Make sure to use fresh limes for the best flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics create a flavorful base that gives the sauce depth. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger infuse the coconut milk with warmth and complexity.
Chicken Broth: A bit of chicken broth helps to thin out the sauce and enhances the savory flavor. You can use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake or even swap it with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to substitute with chopped parsley or even omit it if needed.
Special Equipment: A large skillet or sauté pan works best for this recipe to ensure even cooking and easy sauce reduction.
How To Make This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

Creating this flavor-packed dish is straightforward and rewarding. Let me walk you through the steps for a seamless cooking experience.
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and let it warm up until it shimmers. While the oil is heating, season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in the pan in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. You’re looking for a nice crust, which will add an extra layer of flavor to the finished dish. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Once the aromatics are sizzling, pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is!
Next, add the zest of two limes and the juice of one lime. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Once the chicken is done, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately over your choice of rice or vegetables. The entire dish comes together beautifully, and the sauce will coat your chicken perfectly, creating a truly satisfying meal.
Storage Options
Leftovers of Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken are just as delightful the next day. Here’s how to store them properly to enjoy later.
Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce if needed.
Freeze: This dish also freezes beautifully! Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm up the leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid using high heat, as it can alter the texture of the coconut milk.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for experimenting. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. For tofu, use extra-firm tofu, press out the excess moisture, and pan-sear it before adding to the sauce. Chickpeas can be added directly to the sauce for a hearty, plant-based version.
Add Veggies: This dish pairs beautifully with vegetables. Try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach during the simmering stage. They’ll add color and an extra layer of nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced Thai chili pepper when sautéing the garlic and ginger. This will infuse the dish with a spicy kick that complements the tangy lime and creamy coconut milk.
Swap the Citrus: For a different flavor profile, you can use lemon in place of lime. Lemon juice and zest will give the dish a slightly sweeter, more mellow tang, perfect for a subtle twist.
Herbs and Garnishes: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique flavor. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty finish.
Feel free to make this dish your own. It’s forgiving and can handle plenty of variations while still tasting incredible. Enjoy experimenting and find your perfect flavor balance!
PrintCreamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Savor a creamy coconut lime chicken recipe packed with rich coconut flavor, zesty lime, and tender chicken. Perfect for a flavorful family meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 lime (zested and juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and ground ginger. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the chicken back into the skillet. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Adjust the honey for more or less sweetness based on your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
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