Coconut Lime Chicken and Vegetables
This Coconut Lime Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a vibrant and wholesome dish that balances creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and tender chicken with crisp, colorful vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it offers bold tropical flavors and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for busy weeknights and healthy meals.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy & Oils
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or coconut oil
Produce
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 Bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 Lime, juiced and zested
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Canned Goods & Spices
- 1 cup Coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and grated ginger. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse citrus flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive or coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the base flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp and vibrant.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Lime Zest: Pour coconut milk into the pan, sprinkle lime zest on top, and simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken lightly.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot over jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for a bright, vibrant flavor.
- Keep vegetables slightly crisp for the best texture contrast.
- Full-fat coconut milk enhances richness, but light versions work for a lighter dish.
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to improve tenderness and flavor depth.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking for a smooth, stress-free process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: coconut lime chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, one pan chicken, tropical chicken dish, gluten free chicken, easy weeknight meal