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One-Pan Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet

Close-up of pan-seared coconut lime chicken pieces swimming in a rich, creamy yellow sauce garnished with fresh green herbs.

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Make this easy chicken dinner tonight! This one-pan coconut lime chicken recipe delivers bold, tropical flavor in just 30 minutes. It is a simple family meal with easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced shallot and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest. Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes.
  6. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1 minute until thickened.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving. This zesty lime chicken pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • For an extra kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • If you are making this a Whole30 chicken skillet, ensure your broth is compliant.
  • This recipe works well with either chicken breasts or thighs for juicy chicken recipe results.

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