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One-Pan Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet

Close-up of tender pieces of coconut lime chicken simmering in a rich, yellow, creamy sauce and garnished with fresh cilantro.
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Make this bright, zesty, and creamy coconut lime chicken in one pan for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like a tropical escape.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 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 ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly 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 diced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  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 lime juice, lime zest, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return the seared 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 if needed.
  9. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve this easy coconut lime chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
  • If you prefer chicken thighs, they work wonderfully and stay very moist in this creamy sauce.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free and can easily be made dairy free since we use coconut milk.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/coconut-lime-chicken-recipe-easy-skillet/