Zesty Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Tropical breezes and zesty coconut lime chicken dance together in a culinary melody that whisks you straight to paradise.

Vibrant ingredients promise an adventure for your taste buds.

Lime’s bright acidity cuts through rich coconut’s creamy embrace, creating magic on your plate.

Our kitchen experiment blends Caribbean-inspired flavors with simple, accessible ingredients.

Fresh herbs and tender chicken promise a meal that feels like a sunny vacation.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, inviting you to savor every single bite.

Prepare to be transported by this effortless, flavor-packed dish that will become your new favorite weeknight sensation.

Why Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice Feels Like A Tropical Hug

• Elevate Family Meals: Transform ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this vibrant coconut lime chicken and rice dish that brings excitement to the table.
• Maximize Flavor Efficiency: Develop complex, layered tastes by using a single skillet, which captures caramelized chicken drippings and infuses rice with rich, aromatic ingredients like ginger and garlic.
• Quick Gourmet Cooking: Create restaurant-quality meal in minimal steps, utilizing straightforward techniques that require basic cooking skills and deliver impressive results without complicated preparations.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or impressing guests with its bright, tropical-inspired flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children.

What You’ll Need For Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: The primary protein that provides a tender and juicy base for the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that infuse deep, complex flavor into the chicken and rice.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy liquid that adds richness and a subtle tropical sweetness to the rice.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics.
• Lime: Provides bright, citrusy zest and juice that adds freshness and tanginess to the dish.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a vibrant, green note and aromatic finish to the completed dish.

How To Make Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice Easily

Step 1: Prep Aromatic Base

Crush garlic cloves and grate fresh ginger to create a flavor-packed foundation for your dish. These ingredients will infuse incredible depth and warmth into the entire meal.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Ensure every surface gets an even sprinkle of seasoning to maximize flavor potential.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it’s sizzling hot. Carefully place chicken breasts into the pan, cooking each side until a gorgeous golden-brown crust develops. This process locks in juices and creates incredible caramelization.

Step 4: Rest Chicken

Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and allowing juices to redistribute internally.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger. The aroma will instantly transform your kitchen into a tropical paradise.

Step 6: Create Liquid Foundation

• Coconut milk
• Chicken broth

Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom to maximize flavor complexity.

Step 7: Cook Rice

Add rice to the liquid mixture, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Nestle chicken pieces directly on top of the rice.

Step 8: Simmer and Blend

Cover skillet, reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken cooks completely.

Step 9: Brighten with Citrus

Zest and squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire dish, adding a vibrant, zingy layer of flavor.

Step 10: Rest and Finish

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows flavors to harmonize beautifully.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top. Slice chicken and plate over the luscious coconut rice, drizzling remaining pan juices for extra richness.

Tips For Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice That Pops

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Use freshly grated ginger and minced garlic for maximum aromatic punch, releasing deeper, more complex taste profiles in the dish.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Sear chicken at medium-high heat and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture, ensuring tender and juicy meat every time.
• Rice Perfection Technique: Stir rice gently when adding to liquid and ensure even distribution to prevent clumping and achieve uniform cooking texture.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian version without compromising the recipe's core essence.
• Zesty Finish Strategy: Add fresh lime zest and juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish and enhance the coconut and herb undertones.

Flavorful Twists For Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice

• Spicy Jalapeño Coconut Lime Chicken: Dice fresh jalapeños and mix into the rice for a fiery kick, adding extra heat and vibrant green color to the dish.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Chicken: Replace cilantro with chopped lemongrass and Thai basil, incorporating red curry paste into the coconut milk for an authentic Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Coconut Chicken: Swap cilantro for fresh oregano and mint, add crumbled feta cheese on top, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend over the finished dish for a Mediterranean twist.
• Tropical Pineapple Coconut Chicken: Fold small diced pineapple chunks into the rice during cooking, creating a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken and creamy coconut base.

Tasty Pairings For Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice

• Pair Tropical Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the coconut and lime flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish with its bright acidity.
• Serve Refreshing Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh lime juice, coconut water, sparkling soda, and a touch of mint for a non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the recipe's tropical profile and cleanses the palate.
• Create Caribbean-Inspired Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with diced mango, red onion, and a light cilantro-lime vinaigrette to echo the recipe's Caribbean flavor notes and provide a crisp, fresh counterpoint.

How To Store Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice Properly

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Keep chicken and rice in separate containers to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. This method helps maintain the individual textures and makes reheating more consistent.

FAQs About Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice

• Why use both coconut milk and chicken broth?

The combination creates a rich, creamy base with balanced flavor, ensuring the rice is moist and the chicken remains tender while adding depth to the overall dish.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re more forgiving, stay juicier, and absorb flavors even better than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it’s safe to eat without overcooking.

Coconut Lime Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut lime chicken and rice brings tropical flavors dancing across your plate with zesty Caribbean flair. Juicy chicken nestled in creamy coconut rice promises a delightful escape you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Base:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups rice

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 lime
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Liquids and Enhancers:

• 1 can (400 ml / 14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger to prepare aromatics for infusing deep flavor into the chicken and rice.
2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
4. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, developing a rich caramelized exterior.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
6. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant and releasing their essential oils.
7. Pour coconut milk and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Add rice to the liquid mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and prevent sticking.
9. Place seared chicken breasts on top of the rice, nestling them gently into the liquid.
10. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low, simmering for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
11. Zest and juice the lime directly over the dish for bright, citrusy notes.
12. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
14. Slice chicken and serve over the coconut-infused rice, drizzling any remaining pan juices on top.

Notes

• Enhance aromatics by toasting garlic and ginger briefly before adding liquid to intensify their flavor profile.
• Prevent chicken from drying out by using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting coconut milk with almond or cashew milk for those with dietary restrictions.
• Elevate dish’s nutrition by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during rice cooking for extra color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 543 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 96 mg