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One Pan Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Thighs

creamy coconut lime chicken thighs - featured image
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This easy one pan creamy coconut lime chicken thighs recipe features juicy chicken simmered in a luscious coconut-lime sauce with garlic and ginger. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly with pantry staples and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 8) chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on or boneless skinless
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2–3 limes, juiced and zested
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute, scraping up brown bits. Add a splash of broth if needed to prevent burning.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add coconut milk, lime juice and zest, honey or maple syrup, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return chicken (and any juices) to the pan, nestling into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes (12-15 for boneless), until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  6. Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes to thicken sauce if needed. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or honey as desired. Add a splash of broth if sauce is too thick.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot, spooning sauce over each piece. Enjoy over rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispier skin. Don’t rush browning—let the chicken develop a golden crust. Simmer gently to avoid splitting the coconut milk. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or honey before serving. For a low-carb version, omit honey/maple syrup. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut lime chicken, one pan chicken, creamy chicken thighs, easy dinner, gluten free, dairy free, skillet chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/one-pan-creamy-coconut-lime-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-dinner/