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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

This creamy coconut lime chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce made with coconut milk, lime juice, turmeric, and fresh cilantro. It’s a deliciously creamy and zesty dish that comes together quickly in about 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 (13.6 oz) can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Season and cook the chicken: Season 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are mostly cooked through. Remove from the skillet, place on a plate, and cover to keep warm.
  2. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 2-3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Prepare the sauce base: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup chicken stock and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Stir and bring to a simmer; cook until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add coconut milk and lime juice: Stir in a 13.6 oz can of coconut milk and simmer the sauce for another 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Finish the sauce and cook chicken through: Stir in 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the finished dish before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the heat level.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Serve this dish over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.