Creamy Coconut Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Coconut Chicken Recipe is rich, flavorful, and easy to make in just one pan! Made with coconut milk, fresh lime juice, garlic, and tender chicken, this dish is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a quick dinner idea. Serve it with rice, steamed vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a meal that fits any diet.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 small chili pepper minced (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar omit for keto
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Red chili flakes optional, for spice
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat coconut oil in a large white enameled skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, ginger, and minced chili pepper, cooking until fragrant.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice, stirring well. Let simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Coconut Milk: Stir in full-fat coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, covering it in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, red chili flakes, and lime wedges. Serve warm over rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed veggies.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Make it keto-friendly by omitting the brown sugar.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a more balanced meal.