Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
307 | 15g | 10g | 6g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 0g | 33g | 0.7g |
As someone who carefully balances the rich traditions of her Louisiana roots with the refined elegance of her French ancestry, each recipe represents an intimate culinary experience. Today, I’d like to talk about a particularly vibrant dish that exemplifies this blend – the delectable Lime and Coconut Chicken.
Exploring Lime and Coconut Chicken
Rich in flavors and textures, this dish delivers a sensual blend of tart, sweet, and spicy. We begin with tender chicken breasts and lavish them in a sauce that combines zesty limes and creamy coconut milk. This combination of flavors creates a delight for the senses and a memorable journey for the palate.
This Lime and Coconut Chicken isn’t just about taste though. Alongside its gastronomic appeal, it comes with a substantial set of health benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein that aids in muscle growth and repair, while the coconut milk provides a bounty of essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, limes are high in antioxidants and are known for their heart-healthy benefits.
Dishes that Complement
There are numerous ways to serve this versatile dish. One of my favorite parings is with a simple jasmine rice, allowing the flavorful chicken to shine. Another appealing option would be to serve it atop a bed of fresh summer salad greens, which can refresh and elevate the dish. The Lime and Coconut Chicken recipe is also similar to various Thai and other Southeast Asian dishes, such as Thai Basil and Coconut Curry, bringing an enticing touch of the exotic to your dining table.
Regardless of your dietary preferences or cooking experience, the Lime and Coconut Chicken is a dish that easily impresses. Its magical fusion of flavors is reminiscent of my Creole-French background, and transporting it into your kitchen will surely yield a memorable culinary experience. Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (approximately 4 limes)
- Zest of 2 limes
- 14 ounces (1 can) of full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds for garnish
Method
Step One
Season each chicken breast on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through (approximately 6-7 minutes each side). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lime juice, lime zest, coconut milk, sugar, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step Four
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced slightly.
Step Five
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Step Six
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the finely chopped cilantro over the top of the chicken. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with lime rounds.