Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Lime Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in creamy coconut milk and citrus, topped with a tangy lime sauce bursting with Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, coconut milk, lime juice, fresh for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and brush both sides lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear, with nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl to create a bright lime sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken topped generously with the cilantro-lime sauce, accompanied by fresh lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Lime Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Lime Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Lime Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Lime Sauce?

Brazilian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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