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Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe - Bright, Creamy, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 fresh chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, well shaken
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 large lime, zested and juiced (about 2–3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce or 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for umami; optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. This helps with browning and flavor.
  2. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Work in batches if needed. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Soften aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add the onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until translucent, scraping up browned bits. Stir in garlic, ginger, coriander, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and broth. Stir in lime zest, honey, and fish sauce or soy sauce if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return the chicken: Add the chicken and any juices back to the pan. Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Add lime juice and adjust: Turn off the heat. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust with more salt, lime, or honey as needed. The flavor should be bright, creamy, and balanced.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve hot over jasmine rice or rice noodles with extra lime wedges.