Description
A quick and easy one-skillet dinner featuring creamy coconut milk sauce, fresh lime, and cilantro, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (for the creamiest sauce)
- 2 whole fresh limes (for zest and juice)
- 1 handful cilantro (a generous handful)
- 3 cloves garlic (fresh is best)
- 1 small onion or shallot (optional, but adds flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (optional but tasty)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (if you want heat)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry, season both sides with salt and pepper, and add a little paprika if desired.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden on both sides, without cooking it all the way through.
Building the Sauce
- Lower the heat, add garlic (and onion if using), and stir for about a minute.
- Add coconut milk and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add lime zest and lime juice, then let it simmer gently.
- Nestle the chicken back into the sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Turn off heat and stir in cilantro right before serving.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead of time and is friendly for various dietary options like paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, and dairy-free. If using cilantro isn’t your preference, parsley can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Dish
- Cuisine: American