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Thai Coconut Lime Chicken

Thai Coconut Lime Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a silky coconut sauce with garlic, ginger, lime juice, and zest. The result is rich and creamy with a bright citrus finish, ready in one skillet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
For the Coconut Lime Sauce
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • 3 garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted coconut flakes

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Season and sear the chicken
  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until browned, then remove to a plate.
Build the coconut lime sauce
  1. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.
  2. Pour in full-fat coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
Simmer until tender
  1. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
Garnish and serve
  1. Top with chopped cilantro, lime slices, and toasted coconut flakes, then serve over jasmine rice.

Notes

For best texture, keep the simmer gentle once the coconut sauce is added so it stays silky. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze up to 2 months (sauce may thicken further when thawed). For a dairy-free swap, this recipe already is dairy-free—just verify your coconut milk is full-fat and additive-free.