This tasty Thai Coconut Chicken recipe is healthy, hearty meal that's easy to make, and full of flavor. Perfect to make for a special dinner with a loved one, or for any busy weeknight family meal!
Healthy AND Hearty
This time of year is so interesting in terms of tastebud needs and wants. It's a new year, a fresh start - so we lean toward healthy foods with wholesome ingredients. Yet, we're also looking to Valentine's Day, a day that historically involves indulgence and sweets.
I believe this healthy, hearty meal meets you and your loved ones in the middle: it's healthy and wholesome, but also makes for a lovely romantic dinner for two that you can serve on Valentine's Day.
Healthy Hearty Meals: Thai Coconut Chicken
Here's what I love most about this dish:
- You cook everything for the main dish in one pan. Less mess, less clean-up afterward!
- Enjoy this as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
- It takes just about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
- This is better than take-out! You feel as if you are eating an indulgent, expensive meal, yet it's healthy and inexpensive to make at home.
- Thai coconut chicken freezes well. You can easily double the recipe and freeze half to enjoy later!
What to serve with this easy Thai chicken dish
I serve this Thai Coconut Chicken with brown rice, but you can also easily serve it with:
- quinoa, farro, or frekeh
- rice noodles, for more of an Asian bowl meal
- use double the amount of coconut milk and lime juice, and prepare it in a large stockpot to enjoy this as a soup!
Now, this Thai Coconut Chicken recipe has ginger and lime, but it has a lovely sweet, mild flavor.
To add heat to this dish: you can add a little Thai red curry paste. Start with just a ½ teaspoon then add more if you want. Or add a few chili peppers.
What wine pairs well with Thai coconut chicken?
I love a crisp, lively Riesling with this delicious Thai dish. Choose an aromatic Riesling with notes of white flower blossom and citrus. The high acidity helps balance the creamy coconut in this dish, and also brings out the subtle spices.
My pick: a Brooks Winery Estate Riesling ($34).
More easy Thai recipes
Thai Peanut Curry- Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing (CPK Copycat Recipe)
Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe- CPK Thai Chicken Pizza (Copycat Recipe)
Healthy Hearty Meals: Thai Coconut Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil + 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 medium red pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 7-10 medium basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Salt & pepper chicken on each side, then sauté just until cooked, about 5-7 minutes on each side. (See notes)
- Lower heat to low-medium and transfer chicken to a plate when cooked.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then add red peppers and sauté until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes, stirring throughout. Add the garlic and ginger, stir for another minute.
- Slowly add coconut milk and lime juice. Stir, and bring to a low boil.
- Return chicken to the pan and finish with most of the freshly chopped basil and cilantro (leave some for garnish!).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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CAFFAHOLIC says
wow! this is so delicious and turned out to be super good...tried this already..thanks for sharing and a happy Christmas to you :)