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One-Pan Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet

Close-up of tender chicken pieces simmering in a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro for coconut lime chicken.
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Make this flavorful, zesty coconut lime chicken in one pan for a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce brightens the tender chicken, offering a tropical taste with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced shallot to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Stir in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, and turmeric, if using. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving immediately over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • For a Whole30 or Paleo option, confirm your chicken broth is compliant. This recipe works well with either chicken breasts or thighs.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after step 6, increase the heat to medium, and let the sauce reduce uncovered for 3-5 minutes before returning the chicken.
  • Serve this zesty lime chicken with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/coconut-lime-chicken-recipe/