There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in one skillet, filling the kitchen with rich, fragrant aromas while keeping cleanup to a minimum. This One Skillet Coconut Lime Chicken is the perfect blend of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and warm spices, creating a comforting yet refreshing meal.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours cooking. The combination of tender chicken, silky coconut milk, and a burst of citrus makes this dish feel both indulgent and light at the same time. It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Creamy and tangy: The coconut milk gives it a rich, velvety texture, while the lime adds a refreshing twist.
• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, with veggies, or even in a wrap for a creative twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make One Skillet Coconut Lime Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this stage; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Now it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This step helps bring out their deep, warm flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Then, add the lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to blend together.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the creamy coconut lime sauce over rice, quinoa, or your favorite side.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t skip the searing step! Searing the chicken first locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture. Light coconut milk works too, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you like it extra spicy, a pinch of cayenne pepper works great too.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
• Make it extra citrusy by adding lime zest for an extra pop of fresh lime flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated values based on ingredients:

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be even more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version. Just pan-fry the tofu first to get a crispy texture before adding it to the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.

What can I serve with coconut lime chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh side salad. A side of naan or warm bread is also great for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sauce can be frozen, but the coconut milk may separate slightly when thawed. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and stir well after reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Related Recipes

If you loved this One Skillet Coconut Lime Chicken, you might also enjoy:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken – A Comforting Classic
• Jalapeño Peach Chicken: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy
• Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast – Cheesy, Flavorful & Oh-So Delicious!
• Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Conclusion

This One Skillet Coconut Lime Chicken is a dish that brings bold flavors to the table while keeping things simple. With its creamy coconut sauce, bright lime zest, and fragrant spices, it’s a meal that feels special yet easy enough for a busy weeknight. Whether you serve it over rice, quinoa, or with a side of veggies, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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