Recipe Video: Chili Lime Chicken in Action!

Want to see just how easy this recipe is? Watch our step-by-step video guide to prepare your flavorful chili lime chicken and creamy coconut lime sauce. It’s the perfect way to visualize each step and ensure your dish turns out perfectly!

Essential Ingredients for Your Chili Lime Chicken

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredibly tasty meal. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for substitutions and selection to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and a lean protein option. For a richer flavor and even juicier results, you can easily substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) to ensure they cook quickly and uniformly.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken to a perfect golden brown. I consistently opt for olive oil or avocado oil due to their high smoke points, which prevents burning at higher cooking temperatures and imparts a lovely flavor. (Note: Olive oil is not pictured with the other ingredients, but it’s crucial for the cooking process!)

Chili Lime Marinade: The Heart of the Flavor

• Chili Sauce: I typically use a readily available bottled chili sauce, which provides a balanced sweet and spicy kick. For those who enjoy a sweeter profile, a Thai sweet chili sauce can be a fantastic alternative, adding an extra layer of complexity to the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: This provides a savory, umami depth that perfectly complements the chili and lime. For an even richer flavor, or if you’re looking for a lower-sodium and gluten-free option, Tamari is an excellent substitute.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent, aromatic foundation. Fresh garlic offers a much more vibrant flavor than powdered versions.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These deliver the customizable heat. Adjust the quantity to your preference – use less for a milder dish, or more for a fiery kick.
• Garlic Salt: A blend of salt and garlic that enhances both the seasoning and the aromatic profile. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can use regular salt and a bit more minced garlic.
• Lime Zest & Fresh Lime Juice: You’ll need 1-2 fresh limes, depending on their size, to get the right amount of zest and juice. The zest provides an intense citrus aroma and flavor, while the juice adds that essential bright, tangy acidity that makes this dish so refreshing. Always use fresh limes for the best results!

Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce: The Perfect Finishing Touch

• Coconut Milk: Make sure to grab full-fat canned coconut milk, not cream of coconut (which is sweetened and used for cocktails). For easier measuring, especially if you’re not using the whole can, vigorously shake the can before opening to re-emulsify the solids and liquid that often separate.
• Lime Zest & Fresh Lime Juice: More fresh lime zest and juice are added here to brighten the creamy sauce and tie all the flavors together.
• Mayonnaise: A crucial ingredient for the sauce’s creamy texture. I’m a loyal fan of Duke’s mayo for its rich, tangy profile, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Sriracha Sauce: This adds a subtle, garlicky heat to the sauce. Not all sriracha brands are created equal; I personally find the Tabasco brand to offer a robust yet nuanced garlic flavor that’s perfect for this recipe. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh Cilantro, Chopped Green Onions, and/or Lime Wedges/Quarters: These garnishes add a fresh pop of color and an extra layer of flavor and aroma. They are entirely optional but highly recommended for the best presentation and taste experience.

For exact quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

✨ Pro Tip: Mincing Garlic Efficiently ✨

To mince garlic quickly and finely, start by smashing the unpeeled clove with the flat side of a chef’s knife or the heel of your hand. This helps loosen the skin and breaks down the fibers, making it easier to mince. Once flattened and peeled, slice it into thin strips, then chop across the strips to achieve a perfect mince. This technique maximizes flavor release!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Chili Lime Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping chili lime chicken dinner in under 30 minutes. The process is straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time.

Begin by preparing your aromatic ingredients: finely mince the garlic (1). Next, zest and juice your fresh limes. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the vibrant sweet chili sauce, savory soy sauce, minced garlic, a kick of red pepper flakes, and flavorful garlic salt (2). Now, add half of the fresh lime zest and half of the fresh lime juice to this mixture (4). Stir everything together thoroughly until the marinade is well combined and fragrant.

Carefully add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the prepared chili lime marinade and toss them gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to rest in this flavorful marinade (5) for at least 5 minutes while you proceed to prepare the creamy Coconut Lime Sauce, detailed below. This brief marination period infuses the chicken with incredible taste.

✨ Pro Tip: Maximize Your Citrus Juice ✨

To extract the most juice from your limes (or any citrus!), gently roll them back and forth on your kitchen counter under the palm of your hand for 5-10 seconds before cutting. This simple trick helps break down the internal membranes, allowing more juice to be released with less effort. Remember: always zest your citrus first, then cut and juice!

Once your chicken has soaked up the delicious marinade for approximately 5 minutes (5), it’s time to cook! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the hot skillet (6), making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side (7 & 8), or until the exterior is beautifully browned and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads at least 165ºF (74ºC). My absolute favorite instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Whipping Up the Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce

While your chicken is marinating, you can quickly prepare the delightful coconut lime sauce. In a small bowl or a measuring cup for easy pouring, combine the creamy coconut milk, the remaining half of the lime juice, the remaining half of the lime zest, the mayonnaise, and the sriracha sauce. Whisk or stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the sauce is smooth and uniform. Set it aside, ready to be drizzled generously over your cooked chicken.

Once the chicken is cooked, serve it immediately over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a classic meal. Alternatively, transform it into a flavorful filling for soft tacos, a protein-packed addition to vibrant burrito bowls, or a lean topper for a fresh salad. Drizzle generously with the creamy coconut lime sauce and add any of your preferred garnishes, such as fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or extra lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Customize Your Chili Lime Chicken: Flavors and Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this chili lime chicken recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own!

• Adjusting the Heat Level: This recipe offers fantastic flexibility for spice enthusiasts and those who prefer a milder touch. You have full control over the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. For an extra kick, increase the sriracha in the coconut lime sauce, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the chicken while cooking. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and sriracha entirely.
• Versatile Serving Ideas: While absolutely delicious over rice, this chili lime chicken is incredibly versatile!
  • Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and an extra drizzle of the coconut lime sauce.
  • Burrito Bowls: Create vibrant bowls with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and the flavorful chicken.
  • Wraps & Salads: For a lighter option, chop the chicken and add it to crisp lettuce wraps with a slice of avocado, or serve it atop a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
  • Noodle Bowls: Slice the chicken thinly and serve over rice noodles with sautéed vegetables for an Asian-inspired twist.
  • Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing them separately, for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Flavor Variations:
  • Sweeter Marinade: As mentioned, use Thai sweet chili sauce instead of regular chili sauce.
  • Herbal Freshness: Add chopped fresh mint or basil to the coconut lime sauce for a different aromatic profile.
  • Ginger Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger into the marinade for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to make this fantastic chili lime chicken, but having the right equipment can make the cooking process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you might find useful:

• Large Skillet or Fry Pan: A good quality, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or non-stick) is essential for getting a beautiful sear on the chicken breasts.
• Grill or Flat-Top Griddle: For an alternative cooking method, a grill or a flat-top griddle will give the chicken a lovely smoky flavor and char marks.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For mincing garlic and preparing chicken.
• Citrus Zester/Grater: To get fine lime zest without the white pith.
• Citrus Juicer: Makes extracting lime juice effortless.
• Mixing Bowls: One large for the marinade and a small one for the sauce.
• Whisk: To ensure your sauces are perfectly smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) without overcooking.
• Tongs: For easily flipping the chicken in the skillet.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This chili lime chicken and its delicious coconut lime sauce are perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and flavorful.

Fridge: To store leftovers, transfer the cooked chili lime chicken and the coconut lime sauce into separate, airtight containers. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving the sauce again, give it a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may naturally separate when cold.

Freezer: For longer storage, both the cooked chicken and the sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. For convenience, you can also freeze the raw chicken directly in its marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes for a quick thaw-and-cook meal later on.

If the coconut lime sauce appears to separate or become grainy after thawing, don’t worry! Simply whisk it briskly or use an immersion blender to bring it back to its creamy, smooth consistency. Reheat cooked chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Lime Chicken

Chili Lime Chicken with Coconut Lime Sauce

Share
Pin