One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken -

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Introduction

The One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together creamy coconut with a burst of tangy lime. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a quick, rich, and delicious dinner, this meal is cooked entirely in one pan, making it both convenient and mess-free.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

• Chicken thighs, skinless and boneless – 6 pieces
• Coconut milk – 1 cup
• Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
• Fresh lime juice – 2 tablespoons
• Lime zest – 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Chicken stock – 1/2 cup
• Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped – for garnish
• Optional: Red chili flakes – for a spicy kick

Prep Time

Preparing the One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is quick and easy, requiring about 10 minutes of preparation time to gather, season, and mix your ingredients before cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for this recipe is approximately 25 minutes. Adding this to the prep time, the total time to complete the dish comes to around 35 minutes. The recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, depending on portion sizes, making it a great choice for family meals or small gatherings.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this creamy and tangy dish, perfect to serve over fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat the Pan

2. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sear the Chicken

3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down to the heated pan. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
4. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté Aromatics

5. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
6. Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
7. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Coconut Milk Mixture

8. Pour the coconut milk into the pan and stir to combine with the aromatics.
9. Add the zest and juice of one lime, and stir to mix well.

Cook the Chicken in the Sauce

10. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, placing them skin side up in the sauce.
11. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Add Fresh Garnish

12. Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and additional lime zest or juice if desired.

Serve

13. Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice, quinoa, or your preferred side dish. Enjoy!

Notes

Cooking Tips

– If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, they may cook slightly faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Be cautious about the amount of salt added, as some coconut milk brands may already include sodium.

Customizing the Dish

– You can substitute fresh ginger with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger if needed.
– Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans to make this a more complete one-pan meal.

Storing Leftovers

– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
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Cook techniques

Marinating the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of lime zest, juice, and seasonings. This step helps infuse the chicken with flavor before cooking.

Sealing the Meat

Sear the chicken thighs in a hot, ovenproof pan to seal in juices and achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Creating the Coconut Lime Sauce

Prepare the sauce using coconut milk, lime juice, and aromatics. Reduce slightly to allow the flavors to concentrate.

Cooking One-Pot Style

Cook the chicken thighs in the same pan with the sauce, ensuring they soak up all the flavors during the simmering process.

Simmering to Perfection

Simmer the chicken on low heat until it is cooked through and tender, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking. Adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently. The flavors often improve after resting.

Can I substitute coconut milk with a different ingredient?

Coconut milk adds creaminess and richness to the dish, but you can substitute it with heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative if necessary.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Serve the coconut lime chicken with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple salad would also complement the dish.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Conclusion

This one-pan coconut lime chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish. The combination of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and tender chicken offers a standout meal that can be prepared quickly and effortlessly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend dinner with loved ones. Make this recipe part of your regular meal rotation to enjoy a burst of tropical flavors anytime.

More recipes suggestions and combination

One-pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

If you love the simplicity of one-pan cooking, try a garlic butter shrimp recipe. Packed with rich flavors and minimal prep time, it complements the idea of quick and delicious meals.

Thai Curry Chicken

For another creamy and flavorful combination, prepare a Thai curry chicken dish. The bold spices and aromas make it a great alternative for a more exotic twist.