Description
Tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut lime sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. This easy one-pan stovetop dinner offers a rich and tangy flavor profile, perfect for a wholesome meal served alongside rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 700 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 1 tsp honey, optional
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, evenly coat the chicken thighs or breasts with ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to infuse warm spices and flavor.
- Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, allowing it to warm up and shimmer slightly for perfect searing.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to build the sauce base.
- Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring in soy sauce (or coconut aminos), lime zest, and honey if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, submerging partly in the sauce. Cook uncovered for 8 to 12 minutes over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with lime juice: Stir in the fresh lime juice during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking to brighten and balance the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish and serve with lime wedges alongside steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide juicier and more flavorful results compared to breasts.
- Add sliced bell peppers or spinach to the skillet for a boost of vegetables and color.
- For extra heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or fresh chili when sautéing the garlic and ginger.
- Adding lime juice near the end preserves its fresh, vibrant citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Thai-Inspired
