One-Pot Coconut Lime Chicken & Rice

Short Description

One-Pot Coconut Lime Chicken & Rice is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender, seared chicken thighs with fluffy jasmine rice, all simmered in a creamy coconut-lime sauce. With its bold, tropical flavors and easy one-pot preparation, it’s a perfect recipe for weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Convenient one-pot meal for easy cleanup
Bursting with bold, tropical flavors from coconut milk and fresh lime
Creamy texture and satisfying, hearty ingredients
Great for leftovers—flavors deepen over time
Customizable with various proteins or spice levels
Naturally dairy-free
Ideal for both casual and formal meals
Balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbs
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ready in under an hour

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Lime zest and juice
Avocado oil or neutral cooking oil
Shallot, finely chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Thai chilies or serrano peppers, sliced
Jasmine rice, rinsed
Green onions, sliced
Chicken broth
Full-fat coconut milk
Fish sauce
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and lime zest.
Sear chicken skin-side down in hot oil over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics (shallot, garlic, ginger, and chilies) in the same pan for 1 minute.
Add rice and green onions, stirring to toast lightly, about 2 minutes.
Pour in liquids: lime juice, chicken broth, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Stir to combine.
Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up, nestled into the rice mixture.
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until chicken skin is crisp and rice is tender.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Chicken Substitute: Use boneless breasts or thighs, or swap for tofu or tempeh
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and substitute vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini
Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (adjust liquid accordingly)
Spice Level: Use fewer chilies or remove seeds for a milder dish
Herbs: Try Thai basil or mint instead of cilantro

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well but may require a slightly shorter cooking time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. The flavors improve after resting in the fridge.

What can I use instead of fish sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari are good substitutes, though they add a slightly different flavor.

Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy and rich.

What if I don’t have Thai chilies?

Use serrano or jalapeño peppers, or omit for a milder flavor.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overbaking. Rinse the rice well before cooking.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free fish sauce or soy sauce substitute.

Can I cook this on the stovetop only?

Yes, after adding the chicken back in, cover and simmer on low until the rice is cooked and chicken is done.

What side dishes go well with this?

Light sides like cucumber salad, steamed greens, or roasted vegetables complement it well.

Conclusion

One-Pot Coconut Lime Chicken & Rice is a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying. With its combination of creamy coconut milk, bright lime, and aromatic herbs and spices, it offers a vibrant, comforting dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning a weekday dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with both ease and taste.