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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken — Dairy Free & Healthy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Coconut milk: 1 can (13.5–14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • Lime: 2 limes (you’ll use zest and juice)
  • Aromatics: 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Onion or shallot: 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • Broth: 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
  • Seasoning: 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh herbs: Cilantro or basil for garnish
  • Thickener (optional): 1–2 teaspoons arrowroot or cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry and cut into cutlets or bite-size pieces for faster cooking. Season all over with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the pan: Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Brown the chicken: Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side (less for pieces, more for cutlets) until golden. Transfer to a plate. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
  4. Soften aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add onion or shallot with a pinch of salt and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add spices: Sprinkle in coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes if using. Toast 20–30 seconds to wake up the flavors.
  6. Build the sauce: Stir in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Add coconut milk, lime zest from 1 lime, and juice from 1–2 limes (start with 1 and adjust later). Simmer gently.
  7. Thicken (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, whisk arrowroot or cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Stir into the pan and simmer 1 minute.
  8. Return the chicken: Nestle chicken back into the sauce and simmer 3–6 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Scatter chopped cilantro or basil on top. Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies, spooning plenty of sauce over everything.