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Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice - Easy Tropical Dinner Recipe

Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice – Easy Tropical Dinner Recipe

Description

Welcome, food lovers! If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, tropical-inspired meal that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the zesty brightness of lime, then this Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice recipe is for you. This dish offers a fusion of Caribbean and Thai flavors, making it the perfect option for those who love a mix of savory, sweet, and tangy. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it will become a go-to recipe for your household.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, soy sauce, honey, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the remaining marinade) and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  3. If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Serve the coconut lime rice on a plate and top it with the cooked chicken breasts.
  2. Garnish with additional lime zest, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

Equipment

Notes

  1. Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best flavor. The zest enhances the lime aroma and gives a burst of citrus.
  2. To achieve even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
  3. If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/coconut-lime-chicken-and-rice-easy-tropical-dinner-recipe/