Description
This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful Thai-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with zesty lime and a hint of honey. Perfectly seared and cooked on the stovetop, this gluten-free and dairy-free main course delivers a delicious, creamy dinner that’s both comforting and exotic.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and make sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Stir in the full-fat coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken and sauce. Serve hot with your choice of rice or vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce while simmering.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time to prevent dryness.
