The Skillet Chicken with Coconut & Cilantro from The Almond Eater is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with fresh lime and cilantro. This one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet vibrant with tropical flavors. The combination of coconut, lime, and cilantro creates a balanced dish that’s rich, tangy, and fresh all at once.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Additional chopped cilantro and green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and chopped cilantro. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture to coat evenly.

2. Heat olive oil and coconut oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. While the chicken sears, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and juice of 1 lime in a bowl.

4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Remove the skillet from heat and pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken.

6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Remove from the oven, drizzle the remaining lime juice over the chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and green onions before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sodium: 300 mg
Fiber: 1 g

Why Coconut Milk and Cilantro Work So Well Together

Coconut milk is a staple in many cuisines, especially in Southeast Asian and tropical dishes, thanks to its ability to add richness and creaminess without overpowering other ingredients. In this recipe, the coconut milk forms the base of the sauce, providing a silky texture and mild sweetness that complements the chicken beautifully.

Lime juice adds the perfect amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the coconut milk. The citrus brightness lifts the dish, preventing it from becoming too heavy. Meanwhile, cilantro brings fresh, slightly citrusy herbal notes, tying all the flavors together harmoniously.

The interplay of these ingredients makes the dish feel balanced and complex, which is impressive given the simplicity of preparation.

One-Skillet Convenience

One of the major appeals of this recipe is its one-skillet method, which means less cleanup and more convenience—always a plus for busy weeknights. You start by dredging the chicken in a mixture of flour and fresh cilantro, which adds a subtle texture and ensures a golden crust when searing. Cooking the chicken in both olive oil and coconut oil provides a nice balance of flavors and the right amount of fat for browning.

Once the chicken is seared, the sauce is prepared quickly and poured directly into the skillet, which then goes into the oven to finish cooking. This technique allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while remaining juicy and tender.

The finishing touch of extra lime juice and fresh cilantro and green onions adds brightness and freshness right before serving, making the dish even more appealing.

Tips for Making the Best Skillet Chicken with Coconut & Cilantro

To ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful, be careful not to overcook it. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is the best way to achieve perfect doneness without drying out the meat.

If you’re aiming for a gluten-free meal, arrowroot starch works wonderfully in place of all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken. It creates a light coating that crisps nicely without gluten.

For those who like a bit more heat, adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the coconut sauce can elevate the dish with subtle spicy notes.

Pairing the skillet chicken with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or roasted vegetables helps round out the meal without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the coconut sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish offers a balanced macronutrient profile with a healthy dose of protein, making it a satisfying option for those looking to maintain or build muscle. The chicken provides lean protein, while the coconut milk and oils contribute to the fat content, particularly saturated fat from the coconut milk.

With about 400 calories per serving, it’s a moderate-calorie dish suitable for most diets. The presence of fresh herbs and lime juice adds antioxidants and vitamins, enhancing the nutritional value beyond just macronutrients.

For those mindful of sodium intake, this recipe is fairly moderate, but you can always adjust the salt levels to suit your dietary needs.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

This skillet chicken is versatile and can be adapted easily. For a lighter version, use light coconut milk and reduce the added sugar or swap it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

It can also be made ahead of time—prepare and sear the chicken, make the sauce, and then assemble everything in the skillet to bake just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.

Serve with a side of fluffy basmati or jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, cauliflower rice or steamed greens like bok choy or spinach complement the tropical flavors well.

Adding a crisp side salad with a citrus vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish and provide textural contrast.

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful Dish with Tropical Flair

The Skillet Chicken with Coconut & Cilantro is a wonderful dish that combines simplicity, convenience, and bold flavor. It’s an excellent recipe for anyone looking to add a touch of tropical flair to their weeknight dinners without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

The creamy coconut sauce, brightened by lime and fresh cilantro, elevates everyday chicken breasts into something special. This recipe is not just about good flavor but also about ease and satisfaction—perfect for busy cooks who want something tasty on the table quickly.

If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and exotic, this skillet chicken is well worth trying. It offers a delicious, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh herbaceous notes all in one easy skillet meal.