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To make Coconut Lime Chicken, gather these main items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 lime (zested and juiced) - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright and fresh dish. The chicken absorbs the coconut and lime flavors well. The marinade is key to this recipe. It brings all the flavors together. You mix coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a tropical flavor. Garnish your Coconut Lime Chicken with fresh cilantro. It adds color and freshness. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing. For a complete meal, place the chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or pair it with a colorful salad. This elevates the dish and enhances the dining experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by making the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of coconut milk, the juice and zest of 1 lime, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Next, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for more flavor. Now it’s time to cook. Preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag. Let any extra marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) and look golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in. After resting, slice the chicken into pieces for serving. For a stunning presentation, arrange the sliced chicken on a platter. Drizzle with any leftover coconut sauce if you have it. Top with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a fresh burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal! To get the best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest. The lime adds bright notes to the dish. Honey helps balance the tartness, creating a sweet and tangy taste. Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice level. You want to feel a little heat but not overpower the chicken. Always taste the marinade before adding it to the chicken. This lets you tweak the flavors to your liking. Cook the chicken over medium heat. This helps it cook evenly without burning. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque. Letting the chicken rest for five minutes is key. This step locks in juices, making the chicken tender and juicy. For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle with any leftover coconut sauce for extra flavor. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. Serve with lime wedges on the side. They add a fresh touch and let guests add more lime if they want. For a fancy look, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or with a bright salad. This makes the dish more colorful and inviting. Pro Tips Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. Grilling Technique: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents the chicken from sticking. Resting Period: Let the chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve the chicken with coconut rice or a fresh salad, and don’t forget the lime wedges for an extra zing! {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to your Coconut Lime Chicken. This not only boosts flavor but also adds color and nutrients. Consider using bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas. Simply slice them and toss them in the marinade with the chicken. They will cook quickly and soak up that delicious coconut and lime taste. This dish becomes a full meal with vibrant veggies. If you like heat, try making Spicy Coconut Lime Chicken. You can add more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy sauce like Sriracha. Mix it into the marinade for a kick that pairs well with the coconut and lime. This version brings a fun twist to the dish. You can also bake Coconut Lime Chicken if you prefer that method. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Check with a meat thermometer for 165°F (75°C). Baking gives the chicken a juicy texture and keeps the flavors locked in. After enjoying your Coconut Lime Chicken, let it cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, use the oven or a skillet for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of coconut milk to keep it moist. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you plan to freeze, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps avoid freezer burn. Use within three months for the best flavor. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. It adds more flavor. The cooking time will change. Bone-in pieces often need a bit longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, the chicken stays juicy and safe to eat. Coconut milk gives a rich taste, but you can substitute it. Almond milk or soy milk works well. You can also use chicken broth for a different flavor. If you want creaminess, try heavy cream or plain yogurt. These options will change the taste, but they can still be tasty. To add spice, use more red pepper flakes. You can also include fresh chopped chili. Another option is to mix in hot sauce with the marinade. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Coconut Lime Chicken is great for meal prep. The chicken stays moist and flavorful after cooking. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it gently. It also freezes well. Make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. This dish is perfect for quick meals later on. This blog post covered how to make Coconut Lime Chicken using the best ingredients. You learned about marinating, cooking methods, and serving tips. I shared helpful tricks for flavor and presentation, plus tasty variations. We also discussed storing leftovers and reheating them well. Coconut Lime Chicken is both easy and fun to make. Try it today to enjoy this delicious dish with friends or family!

Coconut Lime Chicken Delight

A flavorful chicken dish marinated in coconut milk and lime, perfect for grilling.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, well-blended marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the coconut lime marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Preheat your grill or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once heated, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  • Cook the chicken on the grill or skillet for approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) and the chicken should have a beautiful golden brown exterior.
  • Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing it for serving.
  • To present, arrange the sliced chicken on a platter, drizzle with the reserved coconut sauce (if any was set aside), and generously sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty finish.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside a colorful salad, adding lime slices and additional cilantro sprigs for garnish.
Keyword chicken, coconut, grilled, lime, marinated