One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
Introduction
About the Recipe
Are you looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights? Look no further than this coconut lime chicken recipe! This dish combines rich, creamy coconut milk with the brightness of lime juice and the subtle heat of spices to create a meal that’s as delightful as it is simple to prepare. The best part? You only need one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not just comforting but also healthy and versatile. Whether you’re feeding the family or whipping up something quick for yourself, the combination of flavors and simplicity will quickly make it a household favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Main Ingredients
Chicken thighs or breasts, skin on, bone-in or boneless
Coconut milk, full-fat for richness
Lime juice freshly squeezed
Garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Flavoring
Ground cumin
Curry powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Optional Additions
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Chili flakes for extra heat
Prep Time
Simple Preparation
Preparing this dish is incredibly straightforward. It requires just a few minutes to marinate the chicken and whisk together the creamy, zesty sauce. Using basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients, your prep work will be done in no time.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time
This coconut lime chicken cooks easily in a pan or skillet, taking around 30 to 35 minutes on the stovetop.
Total Time
Including prep and cooking, this dish will be ready in approximately 45 minutes.
Yield
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it ideal for family dinners or a small gathering.
Enjoy the bright flavors and creamy textures of this one-pan coconut lime chicken, and let it bring a little tropical flair to your dinner table!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
– Rinse and pat dry chicken thighs with paper towels.
– Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and ground paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
– Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
– Sear the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down until deeply golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
– In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed.
– Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and softened.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
– Stir in the coconut milk, chicken stock, zest, and juice of fresh limes into the pan.
– Mix well until the sauce comes together.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
– Add the sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste, making sure the balance of flavors suits your preference.
Step 6: Simmer the Chicken
– Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up.
– Cover the pan and simmer for 25-30 minutes on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
– Uncover the pan and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer to thicken it.
– Stir occasionally and spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
– Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and optional red chili slices for a bit of heat.
– Serve the coconut lime chicken over steamed rice or your choice of side dish.
Notes
Using Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts
– Chicken thighs are more flavorful and less likely to dry out, but you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred. If using breasts, adjust cooking time to ensure they do not overcook.
Adjusting the Spice Level
– Add fresh or ground chili if you prefer a spicier dish, or omit it for a milder version.
Making the Dish Ahead
– This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain its flavor and texture.
Variations
– For additional flavor, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, or snap peas into the sauce during the simmering step. Adjust cooking time as needed for the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
– This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Add a side of steamed greens for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to one month. Thaw completely before reheating.
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Cook techniques
Marinate the Chicken
To infuse the chicken with flavor, marinate it in a mixture of lime juice, zest, garlic, ginger, and seasoning. This step enhances the taste of the dish.
Sear the Chicken
Start by searing the chicken on both sides in a hot pan until it achieves a golden-brown exterior. This locks in juices and builds flavor.
Create the Sauce
Prepare a flavorful sauce by sautéing aromatics like garlic and ginger, then mixing in coconut milk, chicken stock, and seasonings. Deglaze the pan if necessary to collect any flavorful bits from cooking the chicken.
Simmer Slowly
Add the chicken back into the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer on low heat. This ensures the chicken will stay tender and soak up the sauce flavors.
Garnish for Flavor
Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a little longer to cook.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to increase the spice level.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or simply some steamed vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be cooled completely, stored in an airtight container, and refrigerated for up to three days.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I substitute coconut milk?
While coconut milk gives this dish its unique flavor, you could substitute it with cream, evaporated milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk if necessary, but it will alter the flavor of the dish.
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Conclusion
This one-pan coconut lime chicken recipe is a flavorful and convenient dish that combines zesty lime, creamy coconut, and tender chicken to create a memorable meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want easy preparation with satisfying results. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and delicious experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken
If you enjoyed the simplicity of this recipe, try a one-pan garlic herb chicken with aromatic herbs and a buttery sauce for another quick dinner option.
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Switch up the protein with a creamy coconut curry shrimp topped with fresh cilantro and served over steamed jasmine rice.
Thai Basil Chicken
For a spicy twist, make Thai basil chicken paired with jasmine rice or noodles to complement the bold flavors.
Tangy Lime Salmon
Bring more lime flavors to your table with tangy lime salmon baked or pan-seared, served with roasted vegetables or a salad.
Coconut Milk Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vegetarian-friendly option could be a coconut milk vegetable stir-fry packed with vibrant veggies and served with quinoa or rice.
