Zesty Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe That Dazzles

Craving a zesty coconut lime chicken and rice dish that bursts with tropical flavors?

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a meal that transports you to sun-soaked beaches.

Tender chicken marinates in a tangy lime-infused coconut sauce, promising an explosion of taste.

Fragrant rice soaks up the delicious marinade, ensuring every bite feels like a culinary adventure.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of zest add brightness to this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Spices weave magic through each component, making dinner feel like an effortless escape.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this delightful Caribbean-inspired creation.

Pairings for Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Craft a zesty margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a coconut rim to echo the dish's bright flavors.
• Flavor-Boosting Wine Selection: Choose a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy notes that complement the chicken's tangy marinade and enhance the lime zest.
• Refreshing Side Salad Pairing: Toss together a light Asian-inspired slaw with green cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to add crunch and freshness that balances the rich coconut chicken.
• Herbal Beverage Match: Brew a cold Thai basil and mint iced tea to provide a cooling, aromatic drink that harmonizes with the dish's tropical and herbaceous undertones.

New Versions of Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace coconut milk with almond milk or unsweetened soy milk for a lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain the recipe's creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and cook similarly to the original recipe for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey or omit completely to lower the carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's vibrant flavors.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse deeper flavors, and ensure the chicken stays moist during cooking. The combination of coconut milk, lime, and spices creates a rich, tangy coating that enhances the overall taste.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Basmati rice works best for this recipe due to its fragrant and light texture. However, you can substitute with jasmine rice or long-grain white rice if basmati is unavailable. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the rice type.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

• Is this recipe spicy?

This coconut lime chicken recipe is not spicy. The flavor profile is more tangy and aromatic from the lime, coconut, and spices like cumin and coriander. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the marinade.

Why Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Delivers

• This coconut lime chicken and rice recipe delivers bold tastes without complicated cooking techniques.
• Perfect for busy families, this dish requires simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps that anyone can master quickly.
• Easily swap protein types, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make the recipe your own unique dining experience.
• Packed with protein, balanced with aromatic herbs and tropical coconut hints, this meal offers a wholesome and satisfying dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste.

What’s Inside Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein for the main dish.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base for marinade and rice.
• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy flavor enhancer.
• Lime Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma.
• Soy Sauce: Savory umami element.
• Honey: Sweet balancing component.

• Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic flavor builders.

• Basmati Rice: Fragrant long-grain rice.
• Water: Liquid for cooking rice.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for chicken.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh, bright finishing touches.

Directions for Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

Whisk together a vibrant marinade using creamy coconut milk, tangy lime juice, bright lime zest, crushed garlic, savory soy sauce, golden honey, warm ground cumin, earthy ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.

Submerge chicken breasts completely in this fragrant mixture inside a sealed container.

Let flavors mingle in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Coconut Rice

• Basmati rice
• Water
• Coconut milk
• Salt

Rinse rice until water turns clear.

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Reduce temperature, cover, and simmer until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Allow rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Gently fluff with a fork.

Fold in fresh lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Remove chicken from marinade, discarding remaining liquid.

Cook chicken breasts until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Adjust heat if chicken browns too quickly.

Step 4: Create Delicious Bowl

Transfer fluffy coconut rice to serving plates.

Nestle perfectly cooked chicken on top.

Sprinkle with extra lime zest, fresh cilantro leaves, and add lime wedges for a burst of citrusy brightness.

Tips to Nail Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

• Let chicken soak in the coconut lime mixture for the full 4 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy when cooked, creating a light and airy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and keeping the meat juicy and tender with a perfect 165°F internal temperature.
• Add fresh cilantro and lime zest at the very end of cooking to preserve their bright, vibrant flavors and create a pop of freshness in every bite.
• If short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will infuse the chicken with delicious coconut and lime notes, making a quick weeknight meal taste gourmet.

How to Save Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

• Store chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap chicken and rice individually in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken and rice on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for chicken safety.

Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical paradise meets comfort in this coconut lime chicken and rice, blending zesty citrus with creamy coconut. Fragrant spices and tender chicken create a delightful meal that transports you to warm, sunny shores with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Liquids and Marinades:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Zest of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro (chopped (for garnish))
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)

Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty marinade by whisking together coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, soy sauce, honey, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to develop rich flavors.
3. Thoroughly rinse basmati rice under cold water until liquid runs clear and transparent.
4. Combine rice, water, coconut milk, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs completely.
6. Remove rice from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork and incorporate lime zest, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
8. Remove chicken from marinade and discard remaining liquid. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, achieving golden brown exterior and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
9. Adjust heat if chicken browns too quickly to prevent burning.
10. Plate coconut lime rice and carefully place cooked chicken on top.
11. Enhance presentation with extra lime zest, fresh cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

• Enhance marinade absorption by gently scoring chicken breasts before marinating, allowing flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Select full-fat coconut milk for richer, more luxurious rice and deeper flavor complexity in the dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the recipe allergen-friendly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg