This One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful meal that can impress at any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can create a creamy and zesty dish that features tender chicken thighs braised in rich coconut milk. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe highlights the fresh flavors of lime and spices, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish cooks in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of coconut milk, lime juice, and spices delivers an explosion of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- One-Pan Convenience: With everything cooked in one pan, clean-up is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan: A spacious pan ensures even cooking of the chicken thighs and allows room for all ingredients to blend together beautifully.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up browned bits from the pan, enhancing the flavor of your dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 2 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tbsp flour, (can use gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika, (optional)
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp light olive oil or rapeseed oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 green jalapeno, finely diced
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste, (purée)
- 1 tsp Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
Base Ingredients
- 400 g (14oz) coconut milk, full-fat
- 3 tbsp coconut cream, (optional)
- 1 lime, zest only
Garnishes
- 2 tbsp salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 5 spring onions, finely diced
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Lime wedges
How to Make One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Trim the chicken thighs of any fat and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lightly dust with flour on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the coconut oil and light olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Create Flavor Base
Add lime juice to the hot pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds incredible flavor!
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Turn down the heat. Add garlic, ginger, and diced jalapeno. Stir in shallots; cook for a couple of minutes. Then add tomato paste, Sriracha, and soy sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Coconut Milk
Pour coconut milk and cream into the pan; stir well. Place chicken back into the pan along with lime zest. Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with finely chopped spring onions, peanuts, coriander leaves, plus some chopped chili or red pepper flakes for added spice. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy this delightful One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken as part of your next meal!
How to Serve One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is a delightful dish that’s best enjoyed with a few accompanying flavors. Serving it with complementary sides and garnishes can elevate the experience and enhance its tropical zing.
With Rice
- Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the delicious coconut sauce beautifully, making every bite a treat.
- Coconut Rice: A slightly sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the coconut flavor in the chicken.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Greens: Quick stir-fried bok choy or spinach adds a fresh crunch to your meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred, this veggie adds a smokiness that balances the dish’s creaminess.
With Salads
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in lime juice offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango salsa enhances the tropical notes of the dish.
Garnished with Nuts
- Chopped Peanuts: Scatter some roughly chopped salted peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Served with Bread
- Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the coconut lime sauce.
How to Perfect One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
To make sure your One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice will enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken gives it a beautiful color and adds depth to the sauce.
- Adjust Heat Levels: If you prefer less spice, reduce the Sriracha or omit jalapenos. For more heat, increase these ingredients.
- Simmer Gently: Cooking on low heat helps keep the chicken tender and juicy while allowing flavors to marry beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
Pairing your One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside it:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad made with quinoa, lime, and herbs provides a hearty yet light side.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the zesty chicken.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles add an Asian flair that complements the main dish perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings a delightful sweetness that pairs well with coconut flavors.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up any leftover sauce while remaining light and fluffy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken even better. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season properly can dull the flavors. Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking for a more flavorful dish.
- Not scraping the pan: Leaving browned bits in the pan means missing out on flavor. Always scrape those bits up when adding lime juice for a richer sauce.
- Using low-quality coconut milk: Poor quality coconut milk can affect the creaminess of your dish. Choose full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
- Ignoring garnishes: Skipping garnishes like peanuts and coriander makes your dish less appealing. These add both flavor and visual appeal, so don’t skip them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool down before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Consider portioning into smaller containers for easier thawing.
Reheating One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring between, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken that might help you with your cooking experience.
What is One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken thighs braised in creamy coconut milk with zesty lime and spices.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses coconut milk instead of dairy products.
How can I customize my One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color. Adjust spices according to your taste as well.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is not only quick and easy but also bursting with delightful flavors that will impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or something special for guests, this recipe allows for customization based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy!
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken thighs with creamy coconut milk and zesty lime for a flavor-packed dish ready in just 30 minutes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. The aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and spices ensures every bite bursts with freshness, while the one-pan cooking method makes cleanup quick and hassle-free. Whether served over jasmine rice or paired with a crisp salad, this tropical-inspired dish will elevate your dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 400g full-fat coconut milk
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Fresh coriander and chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and flour.
- Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown; set aside.
- In the same pan, add lime juice to deglaze and scrape up browned bits.
- Lower heat, add garlic, ginger, jalapeno, and shallots; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, Sriracha, soy sauce, and then add coconut milk; mix well.
- Return chicken to the pan with lime zest; cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with spring onions, peanuts, coriander, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
