Description
Creamy Chipotle Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, spicy chipotle and coconut milk sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious balance of smoky heat and creamy texture, garnished with fresh cilantro for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil (or sunflower, canola, coconut)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 small lime or 1/2 medium lime)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1/4 medium white onion, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 13.5-oz (400 ml) canned coconut milk
- 1 7-oz (200 ml) salsa de chipotles (chipotle sauce)
- Cilantro, optional, minced for topping
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for later use.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced white onions and sauté them for 2-3 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the sauce and combine: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the canned coconut milk and chipotle sauce. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and continue to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, adding about 1/4 tsp if needed.
- Serve: Once the sauce is thickened and flavorful, remove the skillet from heat. Optionally sprinkle minced cilantro on top for garnish and serve hot with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more chipotle sauce or include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten free, ensure the chipotle sauce is certified gluten free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
