Bright & Zesty Citrus Garlic Chicken with Creamy Coconut Lime Rice: Your New Favorite Dinner
Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and brighten your plate. This Citrus Garlic Chicken with Coconut Lime Rice is not just another chicken recipe; it’s a vibrant symphony of fresh flavors, combining succulent chicken infused with zesty citrus and aromatic garlic, perfectly complemented by a side of incredibly creamy rice cooked in coconut milk and brightened with fresh lime. It’s an easy-to-make meal that feels gourmet, bringing a burst of sunshine to your table, no matter the season.
Why Chicken Remains a Beloved Dinner Staple
Chicken has long held its place as a go-to for countless households, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, lean, and cooks up relatively quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. From simple roasted chicken to elaborate curries, the possibilities are endless. In fact, on this blog alone, we’ve gathered over 37 fantastic chicken recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved protein. And now, we’re thrilled to add this Citrus Garlic Chicken to that esteemed collection, confident it will quickly become a favorite.
While some prefer their chicken dishes to be straightforward, others, like my husband, often seek a little more excitement on their plate. A plain piece of Honey Dijon Chicken, while delicious, might not always hit the spot for him. He gravitates towards dishes with layers of flavor and intriguing combinations, much like our popular Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki. This Citrus Garlic Chicken, however, strikes that perfect balance, offering a sophisticated yet approachable profile that even the most discerning palates will appreciate.
The Star of the Show: Zesty Citrus Garlic Chicken
This recipe truly celebrates the power of fresh ingredients. The chicken itself is marinated and cooked in a vibrant sauce featuring an abundance of lemon and lime. This isn’t just about adding a hint of flavor; it’s about fully infusing the chicken with a bright, tangy essence that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The process begins with browning the chicken breasts in a skillet, creating a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices and adds depth of flavor. Following this, the chicken finishes cooking gently in a delicious mixture of chicken stock and the fresh citrus juices, ensuring every piece remains incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. The addition of fragrant garlic and ginger elevates the dish, contributing a warm, aromatic note that perfectly balances the citrus’s zing.
Whether you’re looking for a light and fresh meal during the height of summer when citrus is plentiful, or craving a dish that transports you to sunnier climes during the colder winter months, this Citrus Garlic Chicken is an ideal choice. Its bright profile is a welcome contrast to heavier meals and offers a delightful culinary escape.
Unforgettable Side Dish: Creamy Coconut Lime Rice
While the chicken is undeniably the star, the Coconut Lime Rice is a show-stopping supporting act that truly makes this meal sing. Forget your average plain rice; this version is a revelation. Instead of water, the long-grain white rice is cooked in a luxurious blend of chicken stock and creamy coconut milk. This simple swap transforms ordinary rice into a rich, fragrant, and incredibly tender accompaniment that is far from bland. Once cooked, the rice is tossed with fresh lime juice and lime zest, adding another layer of bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the coconut and complements the chicken beautifully. The result is a side dish so delicious, you might find yourself wanting to make it all on its own!
Complete Your Meal: Serving Suggestions & Leftover Coconut Milk Ideas
This Citrus Garlic Chicken with Coconut Lime Rice forms a perfectly balanced meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of fresh vegetables. For a simple and complete dinner any night of the week, consider serving it alongside a vibrant side of roasted green beans with sesame and garlic. The nutty crunch of the green beans provides a lovely textural contrast and a complementary flavor profile.
Often, recipes that call for coconut milk leave you with a partial can. Don’t let that delicious ingredient go to waste! Here are a few fantastic recipes where your leftover coconut milk can shine:
- Rise & Shine Skinny Coffee Smoothie from In Katrina’s Kitchen: A perfect way to start your day with a creamy, energizing boost.
- Coconut Cream Lime Cheesecake from Sugar Free Mom: Indulge in a light and zesty dessert that highlights the tropical notes of coconut and lime.
- Easy Coconut Curry Chicken: Transform your leftover chicken into another delightful curry, embracing the rich flavor of coconut milk.
- Coconut Curry Shrimp: For seafood lovers, this quick and flavorful shrimp curry is an excellent choice, showcasing the versatility of coconut milk in savory dishes.
Tips for Success with Your Citrus Garlic Chicken and Coconut Lime Rice
- Choose Fresh Citrus: The quality of your lemons and limes will significantly impact the dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh, firm citrus fruits.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Browning them first and then simmering gently in the sauce ensures they stay moist and tender. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Perfect Your Rice: To prevent mushy rice, resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s simmering. Allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing with a fork.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce and rice before serving. A little extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice can make all the difference.
- Pounding Chicken (Optional): If your chicken breasts are particularly thick or uneven, you can pound them slightly to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This helps them cook more uniformly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe, offering an even more tender and flavorful result. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. The flavors are bright and savory. If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
Can I make the rice ahead of time?
You can certainly make the Coconut Lime Rice a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you might want to add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken stock to help rehydrate it and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What kind of coconut milk should I use?
For the best creamy texture and rich flavor in your rice, use full-fat canned coconut milk. Light coconut milk can be used, but the rice may not be as rich.
This Citrus Garlic Chicken with Coconut Lime Rice is a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create an extraordinary meal. Its vibrant flavors make it a perfect choice for entertaining, yet its ease of preparation means it’s equally suited for a cozy family dinner. Give this recipe a try, and let its fresh, aromatic essence transport you to a culinary paradise!
Citrus Garlic Chicken with Coconut Lime Rice
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Ingredients
Coconut Lime Rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
Citrus Garlic Chicken
- 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 Tablespoons coconut oil, divded
Instructions
To make the Rice
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Heat coconut oil in the bottom of a skillet. Stir in rice to coat. Cook over medium high heat to lightly toast the rice.
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Add in chicken stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in lime zest and lime juice to serve.
To make the Chicken
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Heat 2 Tbls Coconut Oil in a skillet over med – high heat. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan, and brown on both sides. Remove from pan (it will not be cooked through).
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Reduce heat and add the garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook for a minute or until soft. Add in chicken stock, and the juice from the lime and lemon. Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer over low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
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Stir in the zest and 1 Tbls of coconut oil.
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Serve over rice. Spoon sauce from the pan over the chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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