Why Make This Recipe
Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that brings together refreshing flavors and comforting textures. The combination of creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and tender chicken creates a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you have guests over. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour the coconut milk mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, cook the rice according to package instructions if you haven’t done so already.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the foil and broil for an additional 5 minutes to slightly brown the top.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the coconut lime chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy your delicious Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice
This dish is best served warm over a bed of cooked rice. You can garnish it with extra lime wedges or sprinkle more fresh cilantro on top for added flavor. Consider pairing it with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
How to Store Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove until heated through. If you’re storing it longer, consider freezing it for up to a month.
Tips to Make Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice
- Make sure to use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Marinate the chicken in the coconut milk mixture for a few hours or overnight for more intense flavors.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice and zest based on your taste preference if you enjoy a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the baking dish for added nutrition. You might also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the baking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and bake it right before serving. Just store the chicken in the coconut mixture in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it.
3. What’s the best type of rice to use?
Any type of rice works well, but jasmine rice pairs beautifully with this dish for its light, fragrant qualities. Brown rice is a healthy alternative if you prefer whole grains.
Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour the coconut milk mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, cook the rice according to package instructions if you haven't done so already.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the foil and broil for an additional 5 minutes to slightly brown the top.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the coconut lime chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
