Coconut. Basil. Lime. Those are quite possibly 3 of my favorite flavors to cook with. I use lime in so many recipes and I love basil in all things Italian. I substitute coconut oil in place of other oils quite often. Recently though I put together the three flavors as a marinade on chicken and oh my, it is amazing and a new family favorite recipe! This Coconut Lime Chicken is juicy and flavorful and can be cooked on the grill or roasted in the oven. It’s great served with roasted potatoes and green beans. You’re going to love these juicy chicken breasts!
Basil Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe
Bright, zesty, and packed with tropical flavors, this Coconut Lime Chicken is a perfect blend of creamy and tangy goodness. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime juice, garlic, and aromatic spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether served over white rice, quinoa, or with a side of roasted vegetables, this chicken dinner recipe is a delicious way to bring bold flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil
- Basil to taste – Fresh Basil, dried basil, or basil paste
- Ground Black Pepper and Sea Salt to taste
- Lime Juice from one lime and 1/2 tsp lime zest
- Garlic Salt – optional
- Chicken – I used bone in chicken breast but you can use your favorite cut
- red pepper flakes (optional)
How To Make Coconut Oil Lime Chicken:
This basil lime chicken will turn out best if you’re able to let it marinate for quite some time. I recommend several hours or even overnight.
Begin by coating the chicken generously with the coconut oil.
Cover the chicken with the basil. I love fresh basil and it’s flavor is amazing but for this recipe the basil paste works great! Sprinkle the chicken with the sea salt and the garlic salt if you like.
Repeat the process on the second side of your chicken pieces.
Squeeze the juice from the lime over the chicken pieces. Cover and let chicken set in the basil lime marinade for several hours or overnight.
You can grill or roast your basil lime chicken.
The coconut oil will harden when it is cold but it will melt quickly in the oven or on the grill.
If you plan to oven roast the chicken, sprinkle salt on a baking sheet and place a baking rack in the sheet. Place the chicken pieces on the baking rack to keep them from cooking in the oils. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and cook in preheated oven about 45 to 60 minutes until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Sometimes, I prefer to grill my chicken because I like the hint of smoky flavor in the skin on chicken breast. Grill the chicken about 20 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees as measured by a meat thermometer.
The Coconut Lime Chicken is so tender and the skin & meat both have amazing flavor. You may wish to serve with lime wedges so family members can add an extra splash of tangy, sour lime.
Printable Recipe Card For Coconut Lime Chicken
Coconut Basil Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
- 2 tbsp Basil Paste
- Sea Salt to taste
- 1 Lime, squeezed (Juice from one lime)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt – optional
- 4 Chicken Breast
Instructions
- Begin by coating the chicken generously with the coconut oil.
- Next, cover the chicken with the basil.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the sea salt and garlic salt.
- Repeat the process on the second side of your chicken pieces.
- Squeeze the juice from the lime over the chicken pieces. Cover and marinate.
- Allow to marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight (longer is more flavorful).
- To roast the chicken, preheat oven to 375.
- Sprinkle salt on a baking sheet and place a baking rack in the sheet. Place the chicken pieces on the baking rack to keep them from cooking in the oils.
- Cook in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until internal temperature reaches 165.
- Remove from oven and tent with foil for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Coconut Basil Lime Chicken
Serves: 4
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 423.34 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 29.76 g | 44.6% | |
| Saturated Fat 16.42 g | 80% | |
| Trans Fat 0.18 g | ||
| Cholesterol 111.36 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium 479.25 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 2.08 g | 0.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0.53 g | 0% | |
| Sugars 0.3 g | ||
| Protein 36.5 g | ||
| Vitamin A 5.07 % | Vitamin C 5.69 % | |
| Calcium 2.75 % | Iron 8.11 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Conclusion
Using bone-in chicken for this Coconut Lime Chicken enhances the depth of flavor, keeping the meat tender and juicy. The bones release natural collagen, creating an even more luscious texture that elevates every bite. The combination of savory, citrusy, and subtly sweet coconut flavors makes this dish incredibly satisfying, with a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers bold taste with every bite.
If you love chicken recipes, you will love trying this simple new way to make a tangy, herbaceous chicken dinner. I love to serve this with roasted potatoes that have been tossed in a blend of olive oil and/or coconut oil. The whole family will enjoy this easy dish on busy weeknights. Store any leftovers in airtight container.
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Nikki from Tikkido says
I love simple recipes like this. I used boneless chicken thighs and they came out fabulous, and only needed 25 minutes of cooking time! I prefer crispy chicken skin, so I broiled them for the last 2 minutes.
Felicity says
I love this easy weeknight dinner. I used skinless boneless chicken breast for a shorter cook time- about 25 minutes in oven on 400 degrees F.
Carrie says
This coconut lime chicken was absolutely delicious! I love the combination of coconut and zesty lime—it’s such a perfect balance of flavors. I served it with a side of jasmine rice or even some grilled veggies.
One News Media says
This recipe sounds delicious and easy to follow! The combination of coconut and lime must add such a fresh, tropical flavor to the chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Can’t wait to try it!
Anshul says
This Coconut Basil Lime Chicken recipe was absolutely delicious! I loved the combination of fresh basil and zesty lime. Can’t wait to make this for dinner again!