Description
This Coconut Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce infused with zesty lime, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Perfectly seared then baked to succulent perfection, it’s a flavorful dish that combines tropical and tangy notes, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner served alongside steamed jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, locking in juices and developing flavor.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, pour coconut milk into the same skillet, and stir to lift all the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger. Whisk thoroughly to combine the sauce ingredients.
- Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Use an ovenproof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Full-fat coconut milk provides the richest flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Fresh lime juice and zest enhance the bright citrus notes in the dish.
- Garnishing with cilantro and lime wedges adds freshness and visual appeal.
