Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Coconut and Lime Sauce

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

Cooked in a luscious coconut milk sauce brightened with fresh lime juice and aromatic garlic. This Brazilian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, coconut milk, lime juice 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Coconut and Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Coconut and 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Coconut and 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Coconut and 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Coconut and 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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