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Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe (One-Skillet)

Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe (One-Skillet)

This Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is made with fresh lime juice, creamy coconut cream, and tender chicken breasts, perfect for a quick dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 331 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise or 4 chicken breast cutlets)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 small serrano chili pepper or jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (see notes)
  • 2 teaspoon soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 15 ounce can coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • fresh cilantro to garnish
  • red pepper flakes to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four thinner chicken breast cutlets. Season both sides with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and sear for approximately 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet over medium heat, add one more tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Once the onions have softened, add the garlic, ginger, and diced chili pepper (if using). Mix well and continue to cook for one minute more, stirring continuously.
  • Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the fresh lime juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Mix well to combine.
  • Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for approximately 5 minutes, then add the coconut cream.
  • Optional - to thicken your sauce, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add directly to the simmering coconut broth. Repeat, as needed, until the desired thickness is reached.
  • Add the chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and heated through.
  • Serve garnished with chopped cilantro, red chili flakes, and fresh lime juice.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat unsweetened coconut milk or unsweetened coconut cream. You can add additional veggies like bell pepper, zucchini, or tomatoes. Omit the brown sugar to make this recipe keto-friendly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 331kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 28gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 344mgPotassium: 719mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 405IUVitamin C: 23.5mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2.9mg
Keyword chicken, coconut milk, Creamy, Easy Dinner, gluten free, one-skillet
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