Who doesn’t love a delicious, hassle-free dinner? If you’re searching for a dish that brings tropical flair to your table, let me introduce you to my Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With tender chicken swimming in a creamy coconut-lime sauce, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
This Coconut Lime Chicken recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I need something quick yet impressive. Whether you’re facing a busy week or planning a laid-back family dinner, using a crockpot makes it incredibly easy. The combination of coconut and lime creates a bright, fresh flavor that’s perfect for any season. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy them again the next day. Trust me, this dish will soon become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1.5 pounds; swap with chicken thighs for more flavor
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk – full-fat for creaminess; light can be used for a healthier option
- Juice and zest of 2 limes – for brightness; substitute with lemon if needed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – low-sodium preferred for a lighter dish
- 3 cloves garlic – minced; shallots can add a nice twist
- 1 teaspoon ginger – fresh, grated or ground; omit if you are not a fan
- 1 tablespoon honey – for sweetness; maple syrup is a great alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and honey.
Combine:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, and pour the coconut-lime sauce over them, ensuring they are well-covered.
Cook:
Set your crockpot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should shred easily when done.
Serve:
Shred the chicken directly in the sauce to soak up all that great flavor. Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Information
This Coconut Lime Chicken recipe serves about six people, providing a delightful source of protein alongside healthy fats from the coconut milk. Each serving is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, making it a wholesome option for both adults and kids. Just be mindful of the portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on caloric intake.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten this dish, here are a few suggestions: use low-fat coconut milk, substitute honey with a natural sweetener like agave, or reduce the amount of sodium by opting for low-sodium soy sauce. You can even add more vegetables to the mix, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas blend seamlessly into the dish.
Serving Suggestions
I recommend serving this Coconut Lime Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It pairs splendidly with a fresh side, like my Honey Lime Fruit Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chicken. You could also add a crunchy side salad to round out your meal.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness. Always check for doneness; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Another tip is to ensure that the sauce has enough acidity from the lime juice to balance the richness of the coconut milk, so feel free to adjust this to your taste.
Chef’s Notes
- For added heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- This dish can be frozen, so if you’re meal prepping, make a double batch for future meals.
- If you want extra flavor, consider marinating your chicken in the coconut-lime sauce overnight before cooking.
FAQs
- Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Absolutely; Just add about an extra hour to the cook time on low. - Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. - Q3: What do I do if I don’t have a crockpot?
A3: You can make this in a slow cooker or on the stovetop with low heat for a longer cook time.
This Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken will surely become a cherished recipe in your home. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it lets you enjoy a touch of the tropics on a busy weeknight. Be sure to check out my Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders if you’re looking for another quick and delightful meal option. Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with this easy Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken. With tender chicken slow-cooked in a creamy coconut-lime sauce, it’s a fuss-free meal that’s full of vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh or ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey until well combined.
- Place the chicken into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over it.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken directly in the sauce to soak up the flavors.
- Serve over rice or quinoa and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the coconut-lime sauce overnight. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a colorful twist. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crockpot, coconut lime chicken, slow cooker dinner, tropical chicken recipe