Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken

In today’s fast-paced world, where we’re constantly chasing time, we often crave meals that are quick, nourishing, and don’t leave us with a pile of dishes. Sound familiar? If you’re anything like me, some days call for a one-skillet dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavour or health.

Enter: Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken – a dish that’s fast, flexible, and full of feel-good flavours. Whether you're gluten-free, dairy-free, or simply craving something tropical and tangy, this recipe bends to your needs.

A Dish That Adapts to You

This creamy chicken recipe is one of those magical meals that feels fancy but is made from humble, easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you're using chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cooking it pan-seared or baking it in the oven, the combination of coconut milk, lime juice, and a hint of brown sugar brings everything together in the most comforting way.

Add your favourite roasted vegetables, spoon it over rice or pasta, or try it with spaghetti squash if you’re going low-carb. This recipe lives with you, not against you.

Ingredients That Shine

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free)

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for topping

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

• ⅔ cup chicken broth

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)

• Juice and zest of 2 limes

• 1 green onion, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It (In Just One Skillet!)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice chicken breasts if thick. Mix flour and chopped cilantro.

3. Coat chicken in flour mixture, then pan-sear in coconut oil + olive oil until golden.

4. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, broth, lime juice, and sugar.

5. Add garlic to skillet, pour in the sauce, then bake in the oven for 10–15 minutes.

6. Finish with a drizzle of lime juice, zest, extra cilantro, and green onion.

Make It Yours

• Swap in fish, tofu, or mushrooms

• Add veggies like shiitake, spinach, or red onion

• Want more flavour? Add kaffir lime leaves, red pepper flakes, or a splash of fish sauce

What to Serve It With

This creamy coconut lime chicken pairs perfectly with:

• Rice (jasmine or basmati)

• Spaghetti squash

• Lo mein noodles

• Or roasted broccoli or brussels sprouts

The Takeaway

This is one of those save-the-day recipes. It's fast, it's healthy, it’s packed with protein and just the right amount of creamy, citrusy goodness. Best of all? You only need one skillet to make it happen.

It’s healthy food without the stress – exactly what your weeknight deserves.