Description
This creamy Coconut Milk Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a spiced coconut sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and lime. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1 1/2 inches thick)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (or 1 can, drained)
- 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk, shaken and stirred
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and set aside. Shake the coconut milk can and stir well.
2. In a small bowl, mix cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Rub seasoning on chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
5. Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes until soft.
6. Pour in coconut milk, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 4–5 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
8. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture or light coconut milk for a lighter version.
Simmer gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
Serve with rice, quinoa, or naan bread to soak up the sauce.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 341
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 941
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 73