Coconut Milk Chicken

Name: Coconut Milk Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; Asian sweet chili sauce; 1/4 cup flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Asian chili sauce; 1 teaspoon dried basil

Published: May 1, 2025

by Lizzy

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This Coconut Milk Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the tropical flavors of coconut and lime right to your dinner table. With its creamy texture and vibrant taste, this one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken breasts and a luxurious coconut honey lime sauce, infused with garlic, ginger, and sweet chili, ensures it will become a family favorite in no time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all cooking done in a single pan.
Vibrant Flavors: The unique blend of coconut milk, honey, and lime creates a deliciously rich sauce.
Versatile Dish: Pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process easier, gather your tools before you start. Having everything on hand will help you move through the recipe smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Meat mallet or rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Perfect for searing chicken and simmering the coconut sauce together.
Whisk: Ensures your sauce ingredients are well-mixed for a smooth consistency.
Cutting board: Provides a safe space to prep your chicken fillets effectively.
Meat mallet or rolling pin: Helps pound chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
* 2 large chicken breasts
* 1/4 cup flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

To Cook:
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
* 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (or 3/4 teaspoon ground)
* 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

For the Coconut Sauce:
* 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch
* 1/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce (e.g., Mae Ploy)
* 3–4 tablespoons honey (to taste)
* 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
* 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Asian chili sauce (adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon dried basil

Optional Garnish:
* Sliced Fresno or jalapeño peppers
* Chopped cilantro
* Sliced green onions

How to Make Coconut Milk Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the coconut sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four fillets.
Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine flour and seasonings by whisking them together. Dredge each chicken fillet in this mixture and shake off any excess flour.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Add the chicken fillets.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate; do not wipe out the skillet.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Lower heat to medium:
1. If needed, add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Sauté white parts of green onions for one minute.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Reduce heat to low:
1. Pour in prepared coconut sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
2. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened; adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Return chicken to skillet; warm through in sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with cilantro, basil, green onions, and sliced peppers if desired. Serve over rice for a complete meal!

How to Serve Coconut Milk Chicken

Coconut Milk Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light refreshment, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.

On Rice

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut sauce, soaking up all the flavors.
Coconut Rice: For an extra coconut kick, cook your rice with coconut milk for a rich and fragrant side.

With Noodles

Rice Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with rice noodles for a quick and satisfying noodle bowl.
Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles add a unique flavor and are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.

In Salads

Asian-Inspired Salad: Serve the chicken sliced over mixed greens, topped with sesame dressing for a refreshing meal.
Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds texture and balances the creaminess of the dish.

As Wraps

Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap pieces of chicken, adding fresh herbs for an added crunch.
Tortilla Wraps: Spread the chicken and sauce on tortillas, adding avocado and veggies for a delightful roll-up.

How to Perfect Coconut Milk Chicken

Achieving the perfect Coconut Milk Chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor profile of your sauce, making it more aromatic.
Pound Your Chicken: Ensuring even thickness will help your chicken cook uniformly, resulting in juicy meat.
Sear Without Moving: Allowing the chicken to sear without moving it prevents sticking and achieves that beautiful golden crust.
Adjust Sauce to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lime juice based on your preference.
Let it Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices, ensuring tender bites.
Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs and sliced peppers not only enhance presentation but also add layers of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Coconut Milk Chicken

Pairing sides with Coconut Milk Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent suggestions that complement this flavorful dish beautifully.

Steamed Broccoli: A healthy green option that adds vibrant color and crunch.
Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with vegetables makes for a nutritious side.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy coconut sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and depth.
Mango Salsa: A refreshing mango salsa adds a fruity contrast that brightens each bite.
Curried Lentils: Spiced lentils complement the flavors of coconut milk while providing additional protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Coconut Milk Chicken from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

Using low-fat coconut milk: Low-fat coconut milk can alter the texture and flavor of the sauce. Always opt for full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the chicken properly leads to blandness. Ensure you coat it well with spices before cooking.
Not pounding the chicken: Failing to pound the chicken may result in uneven cooking. Always pound it to an even thickness for consistent doneness.
Moving the chicken too soon: Constantly flipping or moving the chicken while browning can prevent a nice sear. Let it cook undisturbed until golden brown.
Overcooking the sauce: Cooking the sauce too long can cause it to become overly thick or burnt. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat when slightly thickened.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Coconut Milk Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last in the fridge for 3–5 days.

Freezing Coconut Milk Chicken

Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coconut Milk Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Microwave on medium heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2–3 minutes or until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coconut Milk Chicken?

Coconut Milk Chicken is a creamy dish made with tender chicken breasts in a rich coconut honey lime sauce infused with garlic and ginger.

How long does it take to prepare Coconut Milk Chicken?

This Coconut Milk Chicken recipe is quick, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I customize the flavors in Coconut Milk Chicken?

Absolutely! You can adjust ingredients like honey or lime juice according to your taste preferences. Adding vegetables can also enhance its flavor and nutrition.

Is Coconut Milk Chicken healthy?

Yes! When using lean chicken and fresh ingredients, this dish can be part of a balanced diet. It’s packed with protein and has a rich flavor profile.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables for a different take on this delicious recipe.

Final Thoughts

Coconut Milk Chicken stands out as a versatile and quick dinner option that your family will love. Its creamy texture and zesty flavors make it easy to customize. Try adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sweetness for a personal touch!

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