Just one skillet and 40 minutes to this creamy, zesty, and saucy Coconut Lime Chicken.
This is totally not what I ate for dinner. In fact, tonight I am being taken out for dinner as a late birthday celebration.
I still have no idea where I want to go and it’s dinner time. We never eat out, so when the opportunity presents itself I get super overwhelmed by all the options. Plus, no cooking! No dishes!
What more could I possibly ask for? Quite a few things, actually, but I know to take what I can get 😉
Before I run out the door I wanted to leave you guys with one of my favorite super easy skillet dinners! I love this dish because it is delicious any time of year, rain or shine. Speaking of dishes, it uses ONLY one. Ok, it uses a couple more than that. But, big main heavy skillets or pots? Just one.
Full of rich creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and sweet onions, this was a dish my whole family loved- even my picky three year old ate a plate (once I picked off all the onion). Delicious served with rice, cauliflower rice, noodles or a big bowl of steamed vegetables.
One Skillet Coconut Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt + pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small red onion - diced
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger - minced
- 1 red chili - diced (optional)
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk - or coconut cream, plus more for a richer sauce- I used extra
- 1 tablespoon corn starch - + 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- If you have super thick chicken breasts, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them down to equal thickness. You do not need your chicken breasts to be thin, however, aim to get each chicken breast even thickness. This will help ensure that the chicken will cook evenly.
- Sprinkle each chicken breast with salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne (optional) for added heat and flavor.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat melt the coconut oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for approximately 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer browned chicken to a clean plate (don't worry if the chicken isn't completely cooked yet, it will be returning to the pan shortly).
- To the same skillet add the chopped red onion and reduce heat to medium. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or just until the onion turns translucent. To the onion add the fresh garlic, ginger and diced chili and stir to combine with the onion. Cook for one minute more.
- Add the chicken stock, lime juice and zest, brown sugar and soy sauce. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a low boil and reduce to a summer. Allow mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, reducing its liquid. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro, red chili flakes and coconut milk. Allow mixture to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- To thicken sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add directly to the simmering coconut broth. Return liquid to a low boil for 2-3 minutes before reducing heat to low.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet and cover with a tight lid. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve with rice or noodles, chopped cilantro, red chilis, and fresh lime juice.
Nutrition
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
This is such an easy recipe, and I love that it feels like pure comfort food. I’m always looking for stuff like this, and I’m sure it’ll be a big hit! Also, belated happy birthday 🙂
Thank you so much, Richa 🙂