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30-Minute Creamy Skillet Coconut Lime Chicken

Close-up of bite-sized pieces of coconut lime chicken coated in a rich, yellow, herb-flecked sauce in a white bowl.
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Make this quick and flavorful coconut lime chicken in one skillet. The chicken cooks in a rich, zesty sauce made with coconut milk and fresh lime juice, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving

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 cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the 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 chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Whisk the cornstarch slurry again and pour it slowly into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts; thighs may require 2-3 extra minutes of simmering time.
  • For a brighter flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cumin.
  • This recipe pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green beans. Consider this dish when looking at meal planning options for quick dinners.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/coconut-lime-chicken-recipe/