Imagine a dinner that's so incredibly delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds - all while requiring just ONE pot and less than an hour of your time! This Coconut Lime Chicken and Rice is about to become your ultimate weeknight culinary superhero, blending the creamy richness of coconut milk, the bright zestiness of lime, and perfectly tender chicken into a meal that's both exotic and comforting. Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner routine into an extraordinary flavor adventure!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, mincing garlic, zesting and juicing the lime, and measuring out rice and other components.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the hot pan and cook until golden brown and nearly cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in jasmine rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, lime juice, and lime zest. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow rice to finish steaming.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even heat distribution and perfect rice cooking.
- Chicken Browning Technique: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Brown in batches if necessary to achieve that golden, flavorful exterior.
- Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic just briefly to prevent burning, which can make it taste bitter.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: The precise balance of coconut milk and chicken broth ensures your rice cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
- No Lid Lifting: Resist the temptation to peek while the rice is cooking. Each time you lift the lid, you release steam and disrupt the cooking process.
- Resting Period: The 5-minute rest after cooking allows the rice to steam and become fluffy, so don't skip this crucial step!
- Fresh Garnish: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color, elevating the entire dish's presentation and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
