Description
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, tender rice, and a rich coconut cream sauce infused with fresh lime, garlic, and aromatic spices. This tropical-inspired skillet dinner is creamy, bright, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime zest, and honey if using. Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Fresh lime juice and zest provide the brightest flavor.
- Add baby spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the lime juice to suit your preferred level of citrus.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion