There’s something magical about the combination of coconut and lime that dances on your taste buds like a tropical fiesta. Imagine tender chicken, bathed in a creamy coconut sauce, bursting with zesty lime flavor. cheddar and bacon turkey melt Now, picture it all coming together in just one pan. One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you to sun-soaked beaches with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom chicken alfredo recipe.
This recipe brings back memories of my first attempt at cooking for friends. I wanted to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken was the perfect solution, and boy did I win their hearts—and stomachs—with its delightful flavors and vibrant presentation! flavorful chicken torta sandwich. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a weeknight winner
- The explosion of flavors from the coconut and lime will leave your taste buds singing
- Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties or casual gatherings alike
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it incredibly versatile
I remember when I served this dish at a friend’s birthday party; everyone went back for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Coconut Milk: Opt for full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture that elevates the dish.
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Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness that bottled versions simply can’t match.
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Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic punch that enhances the flavor profile.
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Ginger Root: Grated ginger brings warmth and depth; it’s like a warm hug in spice form.
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Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh note that balances out the richness of the coconut milk.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those vibrant flavors dancing around in your pan.
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Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat to complement the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while adding umami depth.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness balances out acidity from the lime juice perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your garlic and ginger finely; zest and juice your limes for maximum flavor impact.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a bit of oil in your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side.
Create Your Flavorful Sauce: Remove chicken briefly from the pan. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant—around 1 minute—then pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and zest.
Add Chicken Back In: Return your beautifully seared chicken breasts back into the pan. Spoon some sauce over them so they soak up that glorious mixture.
Simmer Until Done: Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything bubble gently for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. The aroma will drive you wild!
Add Fresh Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything for a burst of color and freshness!
This one-pan wonder will quickly become a family favorite! Serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness—trust me; no one will complain about extra carbs when they taste this dish! low carb egg roll bowl. creamy queso rice recipe.
You Must Know
- One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that simplifies meal prep
- The blend of coconut milk and lime creates a tropical aroma that tantalizes your taste buds
- This dish offers both convenience and deliciousness, ensuring it’s a hit at any table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then simmer in the coconut lime sauce for tender juiciness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or toss in veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove to retain flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfect sear, ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in moisture
- For extra zest, consider adding fresh cilantro just before serving
Sharing this dish with friends was a memorable experience; their delighted faces were worth every second spent in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu can be fantastic alternatives for this recipe.
How can I make it spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes! One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken stores well and reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep.
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is a tropical delight that combines tender chicken with a creamy coconut sauce and zesty lime. This easy, one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, bringing vibrant flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. With minimal cleanup and customizable ingredients, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by mincing garlic and ginger and squeezing fresh lime juice.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger in the same skillet for about one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and zest; stir well.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 362
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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