Caribbean Creamy Lime Chicken & Rice
Creamy Caribbean lime chicken made with coconut milk, zesty lime, and bold jerk spices—an easy one-pan dinner served over fluffy basmati rice and packed with vibrant island flavor.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester or fine grater (for lime zest)
- Juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)
- Serving bowls or plates for presentation
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Caribbean jerk seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Creamy Lime Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 13.5 oz coconut milk can of full-fat coconut milk
- 1 lime zest
- 11/2 limes juice
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- ½ tsp turmeric optional, enhances golden color
- ½ cup cilantro fresh and chopped
For Serving
- 3 cups rice white basmati rice cooked
- Fresh lime wedges
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Optional Homemade Caribbean Seasoning Blend
- Use this blend for a more vibrant golden-yellow sauce and balanced Caribbean flavor. Store-bought blends vary widely in color salt level, and heat, so this homemade version helps recreate the rich golden hue shown in the photos.
Homemade Seasoning
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp turmeric ground
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1 tsp allspice ground
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne adjust to taste
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- To Use: Mix all ingredients together and use 1 tablespoon for this recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.
Instructions
For the best creamy Caribbean lime chicken flavor and texture, always sear the chicken first over medium-high heat before simmering it in the coconut milk sauce. This step locks in juices, builds a rich golden crust, and creates deep flavor in the pan that enhances the final jerk-spiced sauce—giving you a more authentic, restaurant-style Caribbean chicken dinner.
Notes
- Bold Caribbean flavor base: This creamy lime chicken recipe gets its signature taste from jerk seasoning, garlic, thyme, and warm island spices.
- Coconut milk is essential: Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture and authentic Caribbean-style sauce.
- Fresh lime = key flavor driver: Fresh lime juice and zest balance the richness and brighten the entire dish.
- Color depends on seasoning: Different jerk seasoning brands vary in spice level and color—this directly affects the final look of the sauce.
- Homemade seasoning option: For consistent flavor and vibrant golden color, use the homemade Caribbean seasoning blend provided on this site.
- Turmeric boosts golden hue: A small amount of turmeric enhances the signature yellow color of the creamy sauce without overpowering flavor.
- Perfect one-pan dinner: Everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor development.
- Searing builds depth: Browning the chicken first locks in juices and creates a richer, restaurant-style sauce base.
- Sauce thickens naturally: Simmering allows the coconut milk, lime, and spices to emulsify into a silky, creamy texture.
- Best served fresh: Serve immediately over basmati rice for the best texture, flavor, and presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 867kcalCarbohydrates: 132gProtein: 49gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 1357mgPotassium: 1067mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1188IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 4mg
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