Description
Malibu Chicken is a quick and easy dish combining tender chicken breasts with a creamy coconut-infused sauce that delivers vibrant tropical flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner blending simplicity, creaminess, and aromatic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk or coconut cream
- 2–3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice or 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Herbs
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Finely chop the garlic and onion. If using fresh pineapple, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a splash of pineapple juice, scraping up browned bits.
- Make the Coconut Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk or cream and additional pineapple juice if desired. Stir in fresh lime juice and let simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer another 5 minutes to ensure chicken is cooked through and infused with sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking and juicier results.
- Don’t rush searing; a good crust adds flavor and texture.
- Adjust coconut milk thickness by choosing cream for richness or lighter milk for a thinner sauce.
- Fresh lime juice is essential for vibrant flavor; avoid bottled lime juice.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Malibu Chicken, coconut chicken, tropical chicken recipe, creamy chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal, coconut milk sauce