Irresistible Coconut Milk-Braised Chicken with Harissa

Coconut Milk-Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime is like a tropical vacation for your taste buds. Imagine tender chicken marinated in rich coconut milk, spiced with fiery harissa, and finished with a zing of fresh lime. Basil Chicken Cutlets with Burrata Each bite bursts with flavor, transporting you to sun-soaked shores where the only worry is whether to take another bite or sip on a piña colada. For more inspiration, check out this almond joy coconut bites recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The aroma wafted through the house, making my husband dance around the kitchen in excitement. We celebrated a cozy weekend together, enjoying every flavorful morsel while discussing how to make it even spicier next time. It’s perfect for gatherings or just a casual dinner when you want to impress without much effort.

Sharing this dish at family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments from everyone at the table.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use 3-4 chicken breasts for 4 servings, but adjust as needed based on your crowd. Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe.
• Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess; the richer, the better. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
• Harissa Paste: A spicy Moroccan chili paste that adds warmth and depth; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for brightness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
• Garlic Cloves: Mince those aromatic cloves to elevate your flavor game; fresh is always best.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger will add zing; peel and grate it for optimal flavor distribution.
• Onion: A large onion works wonders in creating a savory base; chop it finely for even cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors; season generously but taste as you go!
• Fresh Cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro adds freshness and a pop of color as a garnish; don’t skip it if you love herbs!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your counter. Chop your onions, mince garlic, grate ginger, and measure out coconut milk and harissa paste.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. The smell should be amazing!

Add Chicken: Toss in the chicken breasts, searing each side until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side gives great color. Pesto Chicken and Avocado Wraps.

Create the Sauce: Stir in garlic and ginger before adding coconut milk and harissa paste. Mix well until everything combines into a fragrant sauce.

Braise Away: Lower heat to simmer gently; cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the braised chicken just before serving. This adds brightness that perfectly balances out the richness of coconut milk.

Serve hot over rice or with warm naan bread to soak up that heavenly sauce!

Now that you’ve mastered this Coconut Milk Braised Chicken Recipe, get ready to wow your family and friends! They’ll be begging for seconds while you pat yourself on the back for being such an incredible chef!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken in a hot pan, then set it aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant before adding coconut milk and harissa. Return chicken to simmer until fully cooked.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out harissa for another chili paste or add vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil to enhance flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

I once prepared this dish for a family gathering, and everyone was raving about how they could taste the love in every bite. It turned into my go-to recipe!

FAQ

What can I substitute for harissa in this recipe?

Try using sriracha or another chili paste if you can’t find harissa.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor to the dish.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it keeps well and flavors improve when reheated, making it perfect for meal prep!

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Coconut Milk-Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Coconut Milk-Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your dinner table. Tender chicken soaks in rich coconut milk, complemented by the warmth of harissa and a refreshing squeeze of lime. This easy-to-make recipe promises a delightful culinary experience, making it perfect for both casual meals and festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 large onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic, grating ginger, and measuring coconut milk and harissa.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown (3-4 minutes per side).
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, then add coconut milk and harissa. Mix well.
5. Reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
6. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Braised
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. If you prefer milder flavors, substitute harissa with sriracha or another chili paste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; flavors improve upon reheating.