One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken: Simply Delicious Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed meal, then the one pan coconut lime chicken is sure to please. This dish embodies the essence of tropical cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of zesty lime and creamy coconut that transports your taste buds straight to paradise. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also simplifies cooking by minimizing cleanup with just a single pan required.
Moreover, this vibrant chicken recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With bold flavors and a quick cooking time, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Plus, every bite of the coconut lime chicken delivers a burst of citrusy goodness, making it both refreshing and satisfying. So, let’s dive into creating a dish that combines convenience and taste effortlessly!
Delicious Flavor Profile of One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
- Flavor Profile: Combines creamy coconut milk with zesty lime for a balanced, vibrant taste.
- Chicken: Absorbs bold flavors, becoming tender and juicy.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger elevate the dish with rich, fragrant notes.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing element and ties the tropical flavors together.
- Suggested Pairing: Serve alongside One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies for a complementary flavor experience.
- Occasion: Perfect for family dinners or hosting friends, offering both simplicity and depth of flavor.
- Overall Experience: A one-pan dish that delivers a delightful culinary escape, leaving everyone craving more.
Ingredients
For the delicious One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
Chicken & Seasonings:
Ingredient | Amount / Notes |
---|---|
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs | 8 |
Sea salt flakes | 2 tsp |
Ground pepper | 1 tsp |
Flour (gluten-free optional) | 1 tbsp |
Sweet paprika (optional) | 1 tsp |
Coconut oil | 1 tbsp |
Light olive oil or rapeseed oil | 1 tbsp |
Lime juice | 2 tbsp |
Aromatics, Sauces & Coconut Milk:
Ingredient | Amount / Notes |
---|---|
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
Green jalapeño, finely diced | 1 |
Shallots, finely diced | 2 |
Tomato paste (purée) | 1 tbsp |
Sriracha | 1 tsp (or more to taste) |
Light soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
Full-fat coconut milk | 400 g (14 oz) |
Coconut cream (optional) | 3 tbsp |
Lime zest | Zest of 1 lime |
To serve, prepare:
Ingredient | Amount / Notes |
---|---|
Salted peanuts, roughly chopped | 2 tbsp |
Spring onions, finely diced | 5 |
Red pepper flakes | To taste |
Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped | To garnish |
Lime wedges | For serving |
This recipe is an excellent choice for those who love flavorful, quick meals, and if you’re keen on unique flavor combinations, check out Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for another delightful experience!

How to Prepare
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Season 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs with 2 tsp sea salt flakes and 1 tsp ground pepper.
- Lightly coat the chicken with 1 tbsp flour and 1 tsp sweet paprika (optional).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp light olive oil (or rapeseed oil) in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 finely diced green jalapeño, and 2 finely diced shallots.
- Sauté until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp Sriracha (or more to taste).
- Add 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 400 g (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk, and 2 tbsp lime juice.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Optional: Stir in 3 tbsp coconut cream toward the end for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with lime zest, 2 tbsp chopped salted peanuts, 5 finely diced spring onions, red pepper flakes to taste, and fresh coriander (cilantro).
- Serve with lime wedges for an added zesty flavor.
Step 7: Optional Inspiration
- For more chicken ideas, try a spicy honey ginger chicken bowl as a complementary dish.
For details on the recipe, visit Delish’s One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Cooking Tips for One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow coconut milk and lime juice to penetrate, enhancing flavor.
- Sear Properly: Ensure the pan is hot enough to create a golden crust, locking in juices and adding texture.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas that cook evenly alongside the chicken.
- Extra Kick: Add 1 tsp of chili flakes to the marinade for additional heat.
- Garnish: Finish with fresh cilantro for color and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Side / Pairing | Notes / Benefits |
---|---|
Jasmine rice | Fluffy rice infused with coconut and lime flavors, enhancing every bite |
Green salad with avocado & cherry tomatoes | Light, refreshing salad with lime vinaigrette for a fresh complement |
Honey Garlic Shrimp | Sweet and savory, harmonizes beautifully with tangy chicken |
Roasted vegetables / Steamed broccoli | Adds nutritious crunch and color to the meal |
Grilled corn | Provides a spicy kick and highlights the tropical elements |
Storage Tips
To keep your One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, freeze individual portions for up to two months for convenient meal prep. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave. For a flavorful twist, consider pairing it with honey garlic shrimp for a delicious combo!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ingredients are essential for One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?
To create an enticing One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken, you will need boneless chicken thighs, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, garlic, ginger, and vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. These ingredients combine to evoke a delightful tropical flavor.
How long does it take to cook One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?
Typically, preparing this flavorful dish takes about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. The one-pan cooking method helps reduce overall cooking time while enabling the ingredients to infuse their delicious flavors.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! While the recipe highlights chicken, you can substitute shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different proteins require different durations to cook thoroughly.
What side dishes pair well with One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?
This savory chicken dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside the scrumptious Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls for an explosion of flavors.

One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, flavorful, and tropical! One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken combines juicy chicken, creamy coconut, zesty lime, and bold aromatics—all in a single skillet for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasonings:
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tsp sea salt flakes
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp flour (gluten-free optional)
1 tsp sweet paprika (optional)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp light olive oil or rapeseed oil
2 tbsp lime juice
Aromatics, Sauce & Coconut Milk:
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 green jalapeño, finely diced
2 shallots, finely diced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tbsp light soy sauce
400 g (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
3 tbsp coconut cream (optional)
Zest of 1 lime
To Serve / Garnish:
2 tbsp salted peanuts, roughly chopped
5 spring onions, finely diced
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle chicken thighs with sea salt and pepper. Lightly coat with flour and optional sweet paprika.
-
Sear Chicken: Heat coconut oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, jalapeño, and shallots until fragrant.
-
Build Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and Sriracha. Add soy sauce, coconut milk, and lime juice.
-
Simmer Chicken: Return chicken to skillet. Simmer 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked. Optionally stir in coconut cream for extra richness.
-
Garnish: Sprinkle lime zest, peanuts, spring onions, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Marinate chicken 30 minutes prior for deeper flavor.
Sear chicken on a hot pan to lock in juices and add texture.
Add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing + Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs with sauce and garnish
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: one pan coconut lime chicken, tropical chicken recipe, coconut lime chicken, easy weeknight chicken, creamy coconut chicken, garlic ginger chicken, one-pan dinners