Coconut Lime Chicken with Rice
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Coconut Lime Sauce:
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
For the Rice:
1 cup jasmine rice (or other long-grain rice)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Lime wedges
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Coconut Lime Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.
Serve:
Serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, spooning the coconut lime sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Tips:
Chicken Texture: For more tender chicken, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Rice Variations: You can use brown rice or other grains if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Enjoy your Coconut Lime Chicken with Rice, a delightful dish that combines creamy coconut with zesty lime for a flavorful and satisfying meal!