Name: Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Tropical
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk; 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes); Zest of 2 limes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup basmati rice; 1 1/2 cups water; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges (optional); Additional lime zest (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and tropical flair, you’re going to fall head over heels for Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice. This recipe artfully combines tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty, creamy coconut lime sauce with fluffy, aromatic rice infused with hints of fresh lime and cilantro. It’s a comforting yet refreshing meal that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without a ton of fuss. Once you try this Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice, it might just become your new go-to dinner favorite.

Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and aromatic in your Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice. Each component is carefully chosen to bring delicious texture, vibrant color, and mouthwatering depth to the dish.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the wonderful marinade flavors.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds creamy richness and a subtle tropical sweetness to both the chicken and rice.
Lime juice and zest: Fresh lime brightens the dish with zesty acidity and vibrant citrus notes.
Garlic cloves (minced): Provides an aromatic punch that complements the citrus and coconut beautifully.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty umami depth that balances the sweetness of the honey and coconut milk.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the marinade’s flavors perfectly.
Ground cumin and coriander: These warm spices add earthiness and subtle complexity to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken that locks in moisture.
Basmati rice: A fragrant, fluffy rice that absorbs coconut milk and lime beautifully.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that ties the dish together.

How to Make Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the marinade ingredients – coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper – in a bowl. This blend brings together tropical creaminess, citrus zing, and warm spice. Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over, and make sure every piece is well-coated. Letting the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time, allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear—that’s key for fluffy, non-sticky rice. In a saucepan, combine the rice, water, coconut milk, and salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and all the liquid has absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. After resting off heat, stir in the fresh lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to infuse the rice with bright, fresh flavors that perfectly complement the creamy chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature. If the chicken starts browning too fast, lowering the heat helps it cook evenly without burning. This cooking method locks in juicy tenderness while creating a beautiful sear that enhances the flavors.

Step 4: Serve

Plate a generous helping of the coconut lime rice, then nestle the perfectly cooked chicken breasts on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, extra lime zest, and lime wedges for squeezing. This final touch amps up the freshness and makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes.

How to Serve Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Adding fresh cilantro, extra lime zest, and lime wedges as garnishes is an easy way to brighten the dish and add pops of color. For a little crunch, toasted coconut flakes or chopped peanuts can also be sprinkled on top to introduce an exciting textural element.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or even grilled pineapple slices can elevate your meal by adding contrasting flavors and fresh textures. The lightly spiced rice and mellow chicken perfectly balance vibrant, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, serve the chicken sliced over the rice in colorful bowls or plates. Using banana leaves as a platter or serving the dish with tropical fruit salsa on the side can bring an island vibe that turns a weeknight dinner into a fun event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a fantastic ready-to-eat meal for busy days when you want something satisfying and flavorful without extra effort.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. This is perfect for meal prepping or making a batch ahead for quick dinners. Just be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and rice in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If the rice feels dry, adding a splash of water or coconut milk helps refresh its fluffy texture. Freshen it up with an extra sprinkle of cilantro or lime juice before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute basmati with jasmine or long-grain rice, but be aware that cooking times and moisture absorption may vary slightly. Basmati is preferred for its fragrance and fluffy texture that pairs especially well with the coconut lime flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream or butter. Just ensure your soy sauce or other ingredients don’t contain hidden dairy if you have allergies.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work nicely and add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thighs are cooked through but remain tender.

What can I substitute for soy sauce if I need it gluten-free?

Gluten-free tamari is a great alternative that maintains the umami depth without gluten. Coconut aminos is another tasty option for a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor profile.

How do I make the dish less spicy?

This particular recipe isn’t very spicy, but if you want to reduce any heat further, avoid adding extra black pepper or spicy garnishes. You can also balance flavors by increasing honey slightly to mellow out any bite.

Final Thoughts

Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice is one of those meals that feels both comforting and exciting with every bite. Its lovely balance of creamy coconut, tangy lime, and warm spices is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a little sunshine to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope you give this recipe a try and discover why it has quickly become such a beloved favorite!

Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty coconut and lime mixture with aromatic basmati rice cooked in coconut milk and fresh lime. Perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, honey, and warm spices, this meal is an easy yet impressive choice for a tropical-inspired dinner that brings bright citrus notes and creamy coconut richness together in every bite.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
Cook the Rice: Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat; keep covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for fresh brightness.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If chicken browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium to cook evenly without burning.
Serve: Plate the fragrant coconut lime rice and top with cooked chicken breasts. Garnish with additional lime zest, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

For best results, do not skip marinating the chicken to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
Use full-fat coconut milk for richer texture in both the marinade and rice.
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains.
Adjust lime juice and honey to taste if you prefer more tartness or sweetness.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Marinating, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Fusion (Tropical, Asian-inspired)