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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 130 reviews

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful, rich dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with lime, turmeric, and a hint of chili heat. This comforting skillet recipe balances creamy and tangy flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 46 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 (13.6 oz) can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 12 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season and Cook Chicken: Season 4-6 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: To the same skillet, add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 2-3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
  3. Prepare Sauce Base: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup chicken stock and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Add 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Stir in the entire 13.6 oz can of coconut milk into the skillet. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce a bit more.
  5. Finish Sauce and Cook Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is creamy and flavorful.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Use light coconut milk for a less rich version, though full-fat provides creamier texture.
  • Adjust the red chili flakes to your preferred heat level.
  • Serve with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream.

Keywords: Coconut chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet, lime chicken, coconut milk sauce, easy dinner recipes