Description
A comforting and exotic dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy coconut sauce with a kick of spices and lime.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional garnishes: fresh chili or jalapeño, sliced; toasted coconut flakes; rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and slice into large bite-sized pieces.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about one minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Stir in lime juice and brown sugar, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and additional chilies or toasted coconut flakes.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
This dish tastes even better the next day! Make-ahead tip: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg