Description
Tropical flavors dance in this mouthwatering coconut lime chicken that brings Caribbean sunshine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken simmers in a silky sauce, promising a delightful escape you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet, creating a sizzling surface for the seasoned chicken to develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
- Place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to caramelize and develop a crisp, enticing crust for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a separate plate, preserving its initial golden color and juiciness.
- Quickly toast minced garlic in the same skillet, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Pour in creamy coconut milk, brightening the mixture with fresh lime juice and zesty lime zest, whisking to create a harmonious, silky liquid.
- Gently reintroduce the chicken into the bubbling coconut lime sauce, allowing it to simmer and absorb the vibrant flavors while cooking thoroughly.
- Continue cooking on low heat until the sauce reduces and thickens, coating the chicken in a luxurious, tangy glaze.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish, adding a final burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Plate alongside fluffy rice or steamed vegetables to complete this tropical-inspired culinary experience.
Notes
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, zesty flavor profile.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, more luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Adjust lime juice quantity based on personal taste preference, balancing tanginess with the creamy coconut base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg