One Pot Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce

One Pot Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce is an easy weeknight meal made from browned drumsticks, blended veggies with coconut milk, lime juice, and cream cheese.

Having a busy day? Well, me too!  But dinner still has to be made and a family needs to be fed.  On days like this, a no-fuss yet delish meal is always my first choice.

This creamy One Pot Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce, a variation on a favorite One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce, came in handy… making my life easier and my household happy.

This gluten-free chicken dish is hearty, comforting — and SUPER delish… Something you won’t want to miss! 😉

ABOUT ONE POT CHICKEN IN LIME COCONUT SAUCE

It is made from simple ingredients such as seasoned chicken drumsticks browned in vegetable oil, sauteed veggies blended with coconut milk and fresh lime juice in a blender, and cream cheese to thicken the sauce and make it creamier.

Basil, parsley, and red jalapenos garnish the dish beautifully, providing extra aroma and color.

It is a bold dish with contrasting textures and colors — which can preferably be served atop a helping of white rice — or noodles, if desired.   Mild sides make the best pairs for a bold dish like this!

Time is no problem in this case. This Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce can be prepared in about 45 minutes… for the most part cooking all by itself in a pot.

It is food at its best — that can be enjoyed all year round!

Sit down with your family and enjoy a heartfelt, down home meal…

For more meals like this, visit our one pot meals and keto meals pages. 

HOW TO MAKE ONE POT CHICKEN IN LIME COCONUT SAUCE

First, season chicken with salt and pepper.

Then, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the chicken for about about 4-5 minutes, turning to brown on both sides.

Don’t overcrowd the pan! Divide the drumsticks in 2 batches. Remove from the skillet with tongs and place on a large plate. Reserve.

(SEE THE RECIPE BELOW)

STORAGE 

Store one pot chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Although, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, be aware that the cream cheese may separate once heated. Make sure to whisk it well.   

5 from 1 vote

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One Pot Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce

One Pot Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce is an easy weeknight meal made from browned drumsticks, blended vegetables with coconut milk, lime juice, and cream cheese.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken in coconut sauce, one pot chicken, one pot meals

Prep Time 27 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 5

Calories 703 kcal

Author Denise Browning

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks skin on, thawed, and pat dry, 4 pounds
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
• 4 gloves garlic chopped
• ½ large white or yellow onion peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper de-seeded and sliced
• 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes or 1 1/3 cups
• 2 leaves large basil plus more to garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley plus more to garnish
• 13.5 oz canned coconut milk about 1 2/3 cups
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 large lime
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 red jalapeno pepper thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper uniformly.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Cook the drumsticks for about about 4-5 minutes, turning to brown on both sides. Don't overcrowd the pan! Divide the drumsticks in 2 batches. Remove from the skillet with tongs and place on a large plate. Reserve.

3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and sweat the onion and bell pepper for approximately 3 minutes. Add the chopped garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute. Add the canned diced tomatoes, basil, and cilantro/parsley.

4. Let cook for about 2 minutes. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender, add the coconut milk, the broth, lime juice, ground ginger, and softened cream cheese. Blend everything together until obtaining a homogeneous, creamy mixture.

5. Transfer the blended mixture to the skillet and let cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until cream cheese has melted and completely incorporated into the sauce.

6. Add the reserved browned chicken drumsticks to the skillet, cover the pan halfway, and let simmer over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

7. Garnish with basil leaves, chopped cilantro/parsley, and sliced red jalapeno if desired. Serve over white rice or noodles with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy! YIELD: 10 drumsticks (2 per person).

Recipe Notes

STORAGE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.  Although, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, be aware that the cream cheese may separate once heated. Make sure to whisk it well.   

Nutrition Facts

One Pot Chicken in Lime Coconut Sauce

Amount Per Serving

Calories 703 Calories from Fat 531

% Daily Value*

Fat 59g91%

Saturated Fat 38g190%

Cholesterol 189mg63%

Sodium 1887mg79%

Potassium 862mg25%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 32g64%

Vitamin A 1568IU31%

Vitamin C 47mg57%

Calcium 107mg11%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.