Coconut Lime Chicken with Thai Flavors – Quick Weeknight Recipe

This flavorful Thai Coconut Lime Chicken is fast, healthy, and easy to make. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a busy weeknight.

Originally published January 13, 2017. Updated and republished January 5, 2024 with new photos and clearer instructions.

I love Thai cuisine for its balance of salty, sweet, sour, and creamy flavors. This recipe captures those hallmark elements while keeping the spice level mild—perfect for anyone who prefers flavor over heat. Tips to increase spiciness are included below.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

This dish combines ginger and lime for a bright, mildly sweet flavor with balanced acidity. It’s approachable, family-friendly, and satisfying.

• One-pan meal – Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
• Quick – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Adjustable heat – The base version is mild, and you can easily add curry paste or chiles to taste.
• Classic Thai flavors – Creamy coconut, fragrant garlic and ginger, and tart lime deliver salty, sweet, sour, and creamy notes in one dish.

🍈 Ingredient notes

The recipe uses simple ingredients available at most grocery stores.

• Chicken – Two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or an equal amount of boneless, skinless thighs work well.
• Vegetables – Red bell pepper is a favorite here; other crisp stir-fry vegetables also work.
• Coconut milk – Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, thick sauce. Coconut cream can be used but may need thinning with water or lime juice.
• Aromatics – Fresh ginger and garlic add authentic Thai aroma and flavor.
• Lime – Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the coconut.
• Herbs – Fresh cilantro and basil (Thai basil if available) add a bright, herbaceous finish.

Optional additions:

• A splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for extra umami.
• Snow peas, bok choy, or broccoli instead of or in addition to bell pepper.
• Grated lime zest for additional citrus brightness.
• Sliced green onions for garnish.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

The full ingredient list and printable recipe card appear at the bottom. Below is a concise step-by-step guide to prepare the dish.

• Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until just done; transfer to a plate and reduce heat to medium.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté red pepper until slightly softened, about 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Slowly pour in coconut milk and lime juice, stir, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and mix with the sauce. Stir in most of the chopped basil and cilantro, reserving a little for garnish. Cook briefly until herbs soften and everything is heated through.

👩🏻‍🍳 Cooking tips and recipe FAQs

Ideas to customize this recipe:

• To add heat: Stir in Thai red curry paste (start with 1/2 teaspoon) or add chopped chiles or red pepper flakes.
• Make it a soup: Double the coconut milk and lime juice and simmer in a large pot for a Thai-inspired coconut soup.

🍽️ Serving ideas

This chicken is lovely served over plain white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or farro. It also pairs well with simple sides like steamed broccoli or an Asian-style carrot and cucumber salad.

🍷 Wine pairings

An aromatic, crisp Riesling with good acidity complements the creamy coconut sauce and lifts the lime and ginger flavors.

Kitchen tools and equipment

Essential tools for this recipe:

• Cutting board and sharp knife – For slicing chicken and vegetables. Use a separate board for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
• Large skillet – A roomy stainless steel or nonstick pan makes cooking and stirring easy.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and mixing in the herbs.

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