Description
Discover the perfect coconut lime chicken recipe! This creamy, zesty dish is simple to make and full of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Coconut Lime Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for added umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lime juice, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Coconut Lime Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coconut lime sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, fish sauce (if using), soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared coconut lime sauce into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the Chicken Back In: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro and remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the coconut lime chicken hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Coconut lime chicken can be as mild or as spicy as you like. To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding fresh chili peppers to the sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the chili or use a smaller amount.
- Customizing the Recipe: This dish is highly versatile. You can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even firm white fish. Each option will absorb the flavors of the coconut lime sauce differently, offering a unique twist on the original recipe.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: To simplify cleanup, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach directly into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. This creates a complete meal with minimal effort and extra flavor from the vegetables absorbing the sauce.