Go Back
+ servings

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken (Dairy Free)

5 from 5 votes
A large skillet with Thai coconut lime chicken served next to a bowl of fresh cilantro.
Creamy coconut lime chicken is a Thai inspired dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes and is a one-pan meal the whole family will love. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and very customizable!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 4

Ingredients
 

  • 2 large chicken breasts about 1 ½ pounds total
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oil such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • zest of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 15 ounce can full-fat coconut milk about 1 ½ cups
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped optional

Instructions

  • Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise or pound it thin between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Season each side with salt and pepper.
  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to a large skillet over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced shallot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the lime zest, lime juice, and chicken broth. Scrape up any of the brown bits on the bottom of the pan before pouring in the coconut milk and sugar.
  • Transfer the chicken back into the pan, cover, reduce to medium-low heat. Cook for another couple of minutes or until the internal temperature on a meat thermometer reads 165ºF/74ºC.
  • Remove from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve alongside coconut lime rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice, and optional fresh lime wedges.

Notes

How to store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

No chicken breasts? - use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead, but you'll have to increase the cooking time.
No shallot? - use about 1/4 cup of diced red or yellow onion instead.
No fresh garlic? - use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
No fresh ginger? - use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
No cilantro? - use another fresh herb such as basil, parsley, thai basil, or top with green onions.
Make it spicy - add red pepper flakes or chili peppers at the time you add in the aromatics.
Add vegetables - after you sear the chicken and remove it from the pan, you can lightly cook some additional vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, green beans or mushrooms in the skillet, set them aside covered, and add them in at the time you serve the meal.
Add-ins - fish sauce for an extra funky flavor and more depth or soy sauce/tamari.