Lime and Coconut Chicken: Why You'll Love This Recipe 🥥🍋
This Lime and Coconut Chicken with Rice recipe is not just delicious but also packed with ingredients that are great for you. The chicken thigh cutlets are juicy and flavourful, while the coconut milk adds a creamy richness without being too heavy. The lime slices and fresh coriander give the dish a fresh, zesty kick that balances out the creaminess of the coconut milk. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less washing up! 🙌
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lime and Coconut Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thigh cutlets are ideal for this recipe because they stay moist and tender during cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they might need a bit less cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh coriander and lime are key to this dish. Use the coriander roots and stems for cooking to infuse the dish with flavour, and save the leaves for garnish to add a fresh, herbaceous note at the end.
- Coconut Milk Quality: Opt for a good quality coconut milk. It makes a significant difference in the creaminess and flavour of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk, but the dish will be less rich.
- Cooking the Rice: Make sure to use a long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine. These types of rice hold their shape well and absorb the flavours beautifully without becoming too sticky.
- Customise the Heat: The sliced chilli is optional, so you can adjust the heat to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, skip the chilli. If you love a bit of heat, go ahead and add more!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Lime and Coconut Chicken
This Lime and Coconut Chicken with Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some pairing suggestions:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and coconut rice.
- Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed broccolini or green beans with a squeeze of lemon add a fresh crunch and extra nutrients.
- Chilled White Wine: Pair this dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity Pinot Grigio. The crispness of the wine balances the creamy and citrusy notes of the dish.
Extra Zing with Every Bite! 🌟
One of the best parts about this Lime and Coconut Chicken is the garnish. A generous sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and an extra squeeze of lime juice right before serving elevates the dish to new heights. The fresh herbs and citrus zest add a burst of colour and a refreshing flavour that makes every bite exciting.
Other Delicious Recipes to Try 🍴
If you loved this Lime and Coconut Chicken with Rice, why not explore more delicious recipes from Easy Recipe Gang? Here are a few you might enjoy:
Conclusion
So, next time you’re in the mood for something that tastes like a mini-vacation, give this Lime and Coconut Chicken with Rice a go. It’s a dish that combines simplicity with exotic flavours, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. 🌴🍗🍚
Perfect for anyone craving a tropical-inspired dinner, this Lime and Coconut Chicken will have your taste buds dancing! Don’t forget to take a picture and share with me on instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. – I love seeing your delicious renditions of my recipes. Happy cooking! 👩🍳✨
Lime and Coconut Chicken with Rice
- Author: Steph de Sousa
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey there! 🍗🌿
Today, I’m sharing one of my new favourite recipes Lime and Coconut Chicken with Rice. It’s a flavour-packed dish that’s super easy to whip up. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a pan and place the chicken skin side down. Cook until golden brown, then remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger, coriander roots and stems, chilli, and rice. Cook for about a minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and add the sliced limes.
- Nestle the chicken back into the pan on top of the rice mixture.
- Once the liquid starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 15 minutes. Check to ensure the rice is done. If not, let it cook for a few more minutes.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of extra lime juice for that extra zing. Enjoy this tropical delight! 🌴🍋
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine rice are recommended for their ability to absorb flavours and maintain a good texture, you can experiment with other types of rice. Brown rice or wild rice can add a nutty flavour and extra nutrients but may require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Always adjust the cooking time and liquid quantities to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with other creamy liquids. Unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk are good dairy-free alternatives. For a richer flavour, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream, though these will alter the dish’s tropical taste slightly. Keep in mind that substitutions may change the texture and flavour, so adjust seasonings as needed.
Converting this recipe to a vegetarian or vegan version is simple and still delicious! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and ensure your fish sauce substitute is vegan-friendly, or you can omit it and add a bit of soy sauce for umami flavour. The cooking process remains the same, allowing the vegetables to soak up the coconut and lime goodness.
Hi, I'm Steph!
I turned a lifelong passion for food into a career as a professional chef, stopping in the Masterchef kitchen along the way. My goal is to inspire everyone to learn to love cooking, using basic pantry ingredients and fresh local produce to create delicious dishes.