Imagine a warm kitchen filled with coconut and lime scents. It feels like a tropical vacation. This Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe brings that feeling home. It’s not just food; it’s about making memories at dinner time.
Whether you’re in a rush or have all day, this recipe makes cooking fun. It’s easy to fit into your busy schedule. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for many diets.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe offers a delightful blend of coconut and lime flavors.
- It’s a quick and easy chicken recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Utilizes pantry-friendly ingredients for hassle-free preparation.
- The dish is both gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs.
- Great for meal-prepping, ensuring you stay on track with your weekly meals.
Introduction
Finding the right balance between healthy meals and a busy schedule is tough. The coconut lime chicken skillet recipe is a flavorful solution. It adds a personal touch to your meals, making dinner time special.
Imagine having a delicious meal with your family that’s easy to make. This recipe can turn a regular weeknight into a special family moment.
One‑Pan & Quick Highlight
This dish is a one-pan meal, saving you time on cleanup. It keeps all ingredients in one skillet, enhancing flavors for a hearty dinner. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a stress-free meal experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This simple coconut lime chicken will quickly become a favorite in your home. The creamy coconut-lime flavor paired with pantry-friendly ingredients creates a delightful meal. You won’t have to hunt for obscure items at the store, as it uses staples like chicken broth and spices you likely already have on hand.
Creamy coconut-lime flavor + pantry-friendly ingredients.
Imagine the rich taste of creamy coconut combined with zesty lime, enveloping your chicken in a burst of flavor. This recipe offers a healthy dinner idea that not only pleases the palate but also makes use of ingredients readily found in your pantry.
Affordable and easy, no exotic prep.
This dish stands out as an affordable option, eliminating any concerns about complicated preparations or pricey ingredients. You’ll enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
Gluten-free & dairy-free.
With rising dietary preferences, this simple coconut lime chicken accommodates both gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyles. You can relish this meal without worrying about dietary restrictions, making it a versatile option for gatherings or family dinners.
Meal-prep friendly.
For those busy weekdays, this pantry-friendly recipe shines in its meal-prep capabilities. Prepare a larger batch and store leftovers for quick, delicious meals throughout the week. This makes enjoying a healthy dinner idea simple and stress-free.
Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe
Get ready to make a delicious meal with this easy chicken recipe. It combines the flavors of coconut and lime. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dish that will satisfy your hunger. Here’s everything you need to make this wonderful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into 4 cutlets
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1.5 cups canned full-fat coconut cream
- 1/4 cup lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it heat for about 4-5 minutes. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Place the chicken cutlets in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes without moving them until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Add more oil if needed. Sauté until onions are browned, about 10 minutes.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Add coconut cream, lime juice, basil, and coriander. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Add cilantro and red pepper flakes if using. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve over rice, cauliflower rice, cabbage, or with roasted vegetables. Garnish with cilantro, red pepper flakes, and lime wedges.
Notes: You can customize the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Want to make your coconut lime chicken skillet recipe even better? Here are some tips to take your cooking to the next level. Learn how to control spices, store leftovers, and try new variations for a delicious meal.
Spice control: adjust or omit red pepper flakes.
Want a milder taste? You can adjust or leave out the red pepper flakes. This way, you can make the dish just right for you and your family. Everyone will love the flavors in this skillet recipe.
Storage: fridge life (3‑4 days), freezing advice.
Keep your coconut lime chicken in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. If you like meal prep, freezing is a good choice. Just put portions in freezer bags for up to 2 to 3 months.
Variations: use thighs, add jalapeño or vegetables.
Try new things in the kitchen. Use chicken thighs for more moisture. Adding jalapeño or vegetables makes the dish tastier and healthier. It keeps your coconut lime chicken exciting and full of flavor.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Spice Level | Adjust or omit red pepper flakes for milder flavor. |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-4 days; freeze in portions for up to 3 months. |
| Variations | Use chicken thighs, add jalapeño or other vegetables. |
What to Serve This With
Pair your Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet with sides for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight. Choose from various options to make it a versatile and easy meal-prep choice.
Rice options (basmati, cauliflower)
Rice is a great match for this flavorful dish. Basmati rice and cauliflower rice soak up the coconut-lime sauce beautifully. Basmati adds a nutty taste, while cauliflower rice is low-carb and healthy.
Roasted/citrus veggies, quick salad
Add roasted veggies or a citrus salad to enhance your meal. Roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add crunch and sweetness. A citrus salad brings freshness, balancing the rich chicken flavors. These sides make your meal colorful and nutritious, perfect for meal prep.
Meal-prep bowls & lettuce wraps
Turn your Coconut Lime Chicken into meal-prep bowls or lettuce wraps. Mixing it with rice and veggies in a bowl makes for easy lunches. Or, serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun, light meal. This keeps your meals exciting and healthy.
Nutrition & Serving Info
This section gives you key nutrition and serving details for meal planning. It helps you manage your time in the kitchen. The caloric value per serving shows the health benefits of this easy chicken recipe.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 | approx. 380 |
Conclusion
As you finish cooking, the coconut lime chicken skillet recipe shines. It’s a tasty homemade dish that makes weeknight meals special. Its creamy coconut-lime taste adds a tropical twist, turning dinner into a getaway.
This recipe is not just tasty; it’s also easy to make. You can have it ready in no time. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, fitting your lifestyle and dietary needs.
Looking for a meal that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying? This coconut lime chicken skillet is it. Enjoy making a dish that brings a taste of paradise home. Make it a regular in your kitchen!
As you finish cooking, this Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet Recipe truly brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Its creamy coconut-lime flavor and easy one-pan method make it a standout among quick weeknight dinners. Whether you’re serving it with fluffy rice or alongside garlic herb roasted vegetables, it’s a meal that checks all the boxes—simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Looking for more cozy dinners that align with your dairy-free lifestyle? Or another flavorful skillet recipe like our One-Pot Cajun Chicken? Recipes Retreat has your dinner inspiration covered.
Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced lengthwise into 4 cutlets
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1.5 cups canned full-fat coconut cream
- 1/4 cup lime juice plus lime wedges for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it heat for about 4-5 minutes. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the chicken cutlets in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes without moving them until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Add more oil if needed. Sauté until onions are browned, about 10 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Add coconut cream, lime juice, basil, and coriander. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Add cilantro and red pepper flakes if using. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve over rice, cauliflower rice, cabbage, or with roasted vegetables. Garnish with cilantro, red pepper flakes, and lime wedges.
