Description
A rich and creamy coconut lime chicken dish perfect for busy weeknights, combining exotic flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (14 oz/400ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine coconut milk, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in lime juice, lime zest, fish sauce, and brown sugar, cooking until the sugar dissolves.
- Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Place the seared chicken in a baking dish and pour the coconut lime sauce over it. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and toasted coconut flakes. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and creaminess. Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg