Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish that brings the taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. This delightful recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, ginger, lime, and a hint of honey. The result is a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion, especially during warm summer nights. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish to serve your family or guests, this Coconut Lime Chicken recipe will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Lime Chicken
This Coconut Lime Chicken recipe is not just delicious; it’s also packed with benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The Coconut Lime Chicken marinade is both zesty and sweet, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Healthy Option: This dish is gluten-free and can be made with fresh ingredients for a nutritious meal.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, in tacos, or as a salad for a delightful twist.
- Tropical Vibes: The combination of coconut and lime brings a refreshing tropical taste to your dinner table.
- Easy Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less mess to deal with after your meal.
Make your weeknight dinners exciting with this Coconut Lime Chicken that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Coconut Lime Chicken
Gather these items:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How to Make Coconut Lime Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Add chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve over rice.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Coconut Lime Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Let the chicken marinate for a few hours for a deeper taste.
- For a spicy kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Coconut Lime Chicken
This Coconut Lime Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Serve it over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
- Make Coconut Lime Chicken tacos with tortillas, topped with fresh veggies.
- Mix it into a salad for a refreshing lunch option.

How to Store and Reheat Coconut Lime Chicken
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Lime Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Coconut Lime Chicken?
The secret lies in the marinade! Allowing the chicken to soak in the coconut milk sauce with lime and spices enhances its flavor, making every bite a delight.
Can I make Coconut Lime Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Coconut Lime Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for a quick meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Coconut Lime Chicken?
To avoid mistakes, ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overcooked, which can dry it out. Follow the timing closely for best results.
Variations of Coconut Lime Chicken You Can Try
Here are some fun twists you can add to your Coconut Lime Chicken:
- For a lighter option, try Coconut Lime Chicken with vegetables.
- Make Coconut Lime Chicken skewers for grilling during summer.
- For a creamy pasta dish, toss it with noodles and extra coconut milk.
These variations will keep your meals exciting while enjoying this tropical dish!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or try our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. If you’re interested in healthy options, you might enjoy Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa.
PrintCoconut Lime Chicken: 5 Ways to Enjoy This Tropical Delight
Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, ginger, lime, and a touch of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve over rice.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg











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