Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken

This coconut lime grilled chicken delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy coconut in every juicy bite. The tropical marinade infuses the meat with vibrant flavors while keeping it incredibly tender. Served over fluffy rice, it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special without complicated techniques.

I first made this recipe during a particularly dreary winter weekend when I was craving something bright and tropical. The aroma of lime and coconut transported my kitchen to a beachside paradise, and it has since become our go-to meal whenever we need a mini vacation for our taste buds.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: the thighs stay juicier on the grill but either cut works beautifully
• Full fat coconut milk: provides richness and tenderizes the meat, avoid light versions which lack the necessary fat content
• Fresh lime juice and zest: brightens the entire dish with essential acidity to balance the coconut
• Fresh garlic cloves: adds essential depth, choose firm bulbs without any sprouting
• Fresh ginger: provides warming spice that complements the tropical flavors perfectly
• Honey or maple syrup: just enough to balance the acidity without making it sweet
• Ground cumin: adds earthy undertones that enhance the coconut
• Crushed red pepper flakes: adjustable heat that cuts through the richness
• Fresh cilantro or basil: provides crucial freshness, look for vibrant green bunches without wilting
• Jasmine or basmati rice: the fragrant varieties complement the tropical flavors best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Combine coconut milk, olive oil, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, cumin, pepper flakes, salt, pepper and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Whisk until completely blended, making sure the coconut milk is fully incorporated with no separated chunks. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Marinate the Chicken:

Add chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, though four to six hours will create the most flavor development. The coconut milk will work to tenderize the meat while the acids from the lime begin to break down proteins for maximum juiciness.

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your grill to medium high heat, around 400°F. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off but not wiping it clean. The coating that remains will create a flavorful exterior. Discard the remaining marinade for food safety reasons.

Grill to Perfection:

Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for approximately five to six minutes per side. Look for nice grill marks and caramelization where the sugars from the honey and coconut milk create a delicious crust. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. The exterior should be beautifully charred while the interior remains juicy.

Rest and Slice:

Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for five minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when cut. Slice against the grain into strips to maximize tenderness.

Assemble and Serve:

Arrange sliced chicken over a bed of warm rice. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and additional chopped herbs. The contrast of the charred, flavorful chicken against the fluffy rice creates the perfect bite. Add optional toppings like avocado slices or mango salsa if desired.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the chicken hits the hot grill. The sizzle of the coconut marinade caramelizing creates an intoxicating aroma that fills the entire backyard. It reminds me of cooking beachside in Thailand where the simplest ingredients created the most memorable meals.

Make It Ahead

This dish works beautifully for meal preparation. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated until cooking time. The cooked chicken and rice maintain their texture and flavor remarkably well, making this perfect for busy weeknight planning. Store components separately in airtight containers and reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Perfect Pairings

The tropical flavors in this coconut lime chicken pair wonderfully with simple sides that complement without competing. Consider a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar for refreshing contrast. Grilled pineapple spears make an excellent accompaniment, as the natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill alongside the chicken. For a complete spread, add steamed sugar snap peas tossed with sesame oil.

Substitution Guide

No grill access? This recipe adapts beautifully to stovetop cooking in a cast iron skillet or even baking in the oven at 425°F for approximately 20 minutes. Vegetarians can substitute firm tofu, pressed and marinated for at least two hours before grilling. For those avoiding coconut, Greek yogurt makes a surprising substitute in the marinade, creating a tangier but equally tender result. Lime can be replaced with lemon for a different but complementary citrus profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both boneless chicken breasts and thighs work well for this recipe. Just ensure you adjust the grill time to prevent overcooking.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. Longer marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken.

→ Can I cook this without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ How do I add more spice to the dish?

To add more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of chili paste to the marinade.

→ How do I make the rice more flavorful?

For extra coconut flavor, cook your rice with a mixture of half water and half coconut milk.

→ Can this meal be prepared ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, both the chicken and rice reheat beautifully, making this dish an excellent option for meal prep.