Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a dish that instantly turns a simple dinner into a tropical, comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh lime creates a unique flavor profile that is both rich and refreshing.
This recipe is easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and naturally halal. It is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even entertaining guests. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it versatile for different meal preferences.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step recipe, tips for perfect results, variations, serving suggestions, and storage instructions. By the end, you’ll be confident making a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Creamy but Light
Full-fat coconut milk provides a velvety texture without relying on heavy dairy cream.
Bright Citrus Flavor
Fresh lime juice and zest brighten the dish, balancing richness with a refreshing tang.
Quick and Simple
The recipe takes under 45 minutes to prepare, including searing and simmering.
Customizable
Adjust spice levels, incorporate vegetables, or switch protein options according to your preference.
Family-Friendly
The mild, aromatic flavor makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Coconut Lime Sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 0.5 cup chicken broth, unsalted
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 2.5 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 tsp ground coriander
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Optional Sides
- Steamed rice or coconut rice
- Lime wedges
- Additional cilantro leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure a better sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. The seasoning enhances flavor and helps develop a golden crust during cooking.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. The chicken does not need to cook fully at this stage. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Scrape the pan to incorporate the browned bits left from searing the chicken.
Prepare the Coconut Lime Sauce
Pour coconut milk and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Add lime zest, lime juice, turmeric, chili flakes, coriander, honey, and salt. Simmer gently for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Avoid boiling to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Rest and Garnish
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and arrange lime wedges around the chicken for added freshness.
Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice, coconut rice, or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
What to Serve With Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Coconut rice for extra flavor
- Rice noodles or egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes for a fusion twist
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers
Tips for Perfect Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest sauce.
- Properly sear chicken for deep flavor and golden color.
- Always use fresh lime juice and zest for brightness.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for optimal balance.
- Add herbs like cilantro just before serving to preserve color and freshness.
Variations
Spicy Version
Increase chili flakes or add sliced fresh chili. A dash of sriracha or chili oil can also elevate the heat.
Vegetable-Enriched Version
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or spinach toward the end of simmering for extra nutrition.
Chicken Drumsticks Version
Use drumsticks instead of thighs, increasing simmering time to ensure full cooking.
Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead of traditional rice.
Herb-Focused Version
Add basil, mint, or green onions for a fresh herbal twist.
Meal Prep and Storage
Refrigeration
Store cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Freezing
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that balances richness and brightness. Its tropical aroma and comforting texture make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its simple ingredients, clear steps, and flexibility for variations, anyone can achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and enjoy a dish that is as delicious as it is memorable.
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a rich, bright, and aromatic chicken dish simmered in a silky coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime juice, garlic, and warm spices. It’s an easy stovetop dinner that brings together tropical flavors and comforting creaminess—perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. This recipe is naturally halal, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce
For Serving (Optional)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure the seasoning coats evenly so the meat gets a flavorful crust during searing.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add the diced onion. Cook for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
Build the Coconut Lime Sauce
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Whisk gently to combine. Add lime zest, lime juice, honey, turmeric, chili flakes, salt, and ground coriander. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Return the Chicken & Simmer
- Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is fully tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
Rest & Finish with Freshness
- Turn off heat and let the dish rest for 3 minutes. This helps the sauce settle. Garnish with chopped cilantro and additional lime wedges if you prefer extra brightness.
Serve
- Serve warm over steamed rice, coconut rice, or noodles to soak up the creamy, citrusy sauce.
Note
Make it spicier: Add extra chili flakes or a sliced green chili.
Make it creamier: Add 2–3 tbsp extra coconut milk at the end.
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop; add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens.
Freezing: The cooked chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months.
Serving ideas: Serve with rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, naan, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
