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One-Pan Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet

Five pieces of seared coconut lime chicken simmering in a rich, yellow coconut-lime sauce, topped with fresh cilantro.
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Make weeknight dinners simple with this flavorful Coconut Lime Chicken. Everything cooks in one pan, giving you bold taste without extra cleanup. This bright, zesty meal is ready fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. You do not need to cook it through completely. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced shallot to the same skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest. Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes.
  6. Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
  7. Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the sauce and add more salt or lime juice if needed.
  9. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve this easy chicken dinner immediately over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic.
  • If you prefer using chicken thighs, they work well and stay very juicy in this creamy chicken recipe.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep chicken ideas; store the chicken and sauce separately if possible to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/coconut-lime-chicken-skillet-recipe/