If you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make dinner, this Baked Coconut Lime Chicken is the answer! With its creamy coconut milk sauce and bright lime flavor, it’s a dish that comes together quickly and feels luxurious. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, but impressive enough for guests. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
You’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 total), ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and ¼ cup of chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish). For cooking, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The sauce comes together with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 cup of coconut milk, ⅔ cup of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor). To balance the sweetness and add a fresh zing, you’ll need 2 limes. Finally, garnish with a chopped green onion and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and olive oil to the pan. In a small bowl, combine the flour and chopped cilantro. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly, then place the chicken directly into the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s slightly browned. Once the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
While the chicken is searing, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice from one lime. After the chicken has seared and the garlic has cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken and make sure it’s evenly coated. Now, place the skillet in the oven and bake the chicken for about 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle the remaining lime juice from the second lime over the chicken. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and sprinkle some extra cilantro and chopped green onions on top for freshness. Serve the creamy coconut lime chicken with your favorite side dish and enjoy the bright, tropical flavors!
Tips:
For an even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate the chicken breasts in lime juice and cilantro for about 30 minutes before cooking. To enhance the creaminess of the sauce, you could use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, simmer the coconut milk mixture on the stovetop for a few minutes before pouring it over the chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy coconut lime chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It also goes great with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a complete tropical meal, consider pairing it with a fresh mango salad or a side of coconut rice.
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool the chicken and sauce completely before freezing in an airtight container.
FAQ:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe! They will be even more tender and flavorful but may need a little longer to cook, depending on their size.
Can I use fresh lime juice from a bottle?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free, so you’re all set!
Conclusion:
This Baked Coconut Lime Chicken is the perfect dish for any night of the week. With minimal prep, vibrant flavors, and a creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Give it a try, and let the tropical flavors transport you to a sunny paradise right in your own kitchen!
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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken 🍋
Description
Baked Coconut Lime Chicken is a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner, featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy coconut milk sauce with a tangy lime twist. This one-skillet dish is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Instructions
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 total)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (plus more for topping)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ⅔ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 2 limes
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Notes
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add coconut oil and olive oil. Dip each chicken breast into a flour and cilantro mixture and sear in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
3️⃣ Mix coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice from one lime in a bowl.
4️⃣ Remove the skillet from heat, pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5️⃣ Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the chicken, sprinkle with salt, pepper, extra cilantro, and chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!