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Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

This tropical-inspired dish features tender chicken marinated in coconut milk and lime, served over fluffy coconut rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 522

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup coconut milk full-fat
  • 1/4 cup lime juice about 2 limes, freshly squeezed
  • 2 limes zested
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk full-fat
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for rice
  • 1 lime zested for rice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice for rice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for rice

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • Meat thermometer
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup lime juice, zest of 2 limes, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, cumin, coriander, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until well combined. Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over them, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. While chicken marinates, prep other ingredients.
  2. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup coconut milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Check at 12 minutes - rice should be tender with all liquid absorbed.
  3. Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in zest of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade) and cook chicken breasts without overcrowding for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. If browning too quickly, reduce heat to medium.
  5. Let chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. Serve chicken over coconut lime rice and garnish with extra cilantro, lime zest, and lime wedges.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of fish sauce to the marinade. Marinating longer intensifies flavor. Use full-fat coconut milk for best results. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts with slightly longer cooking time. Use a 12-inch skillet to avoid overcrowding.