This super simple dinner comes together with just a few ingredients, and very little prep time. A family favorite that can be served over rice or cauliflower rice for the easiest weeknight dinner!
Just here to add another delicious dinner to your summer weeknight rotation!! Coconut Cilantro Lime Chicken has been saving us this past month. I need you all to know that I have made this at least 4 times in the past month.
I’ve been calling them “Coconut Chicken Tacos” and serving them up on Taco Tuesday. Absolutely zero complaints from my people.
How to make Instant Pot Coconut Cilantro Lime Chicken
We start by giving the chicken a quick sear in the Instant Pot with some garlic and oil. Then dump in your coconut milk, cumin, lime juice, and salt. Secure the lid and let the Instant Pot do all the work!
For the slow cooker, you can sear the chicken on the stovetop, or skip that step altogether. Dump everything into the crockpot, and dinner is ready!!
As mentioned, pretty much the easiest dinner ever. You can use chicken breast or thighs (your choice), but the recipe is intended to have a shredded chicken outcome that can easily be served over rice or cauliflower rice. Or taco bowls.
Perfect for dinner, and even lunch prep!! Also so versatile in what you want to do with this meal. Taco bowls, serve over greens in a Salad, or serve over rice.
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Instant Pot Coconut Cilantro Lime Chicken

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp crushed garlic
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 14oz can of full fat coconut milk
- 2 limes juiced
- 2 tsp lime zest
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Begin by selecting the saute function on the Instant Pot. Once hot, coat the bottom of the pan with oil, then add garlic. Let the garlic cook for 1 minute, then place chicken at the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2 minutes per side, then select cancel on the IP.
Add coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, and salt to the chicken. Stir the mixture, and scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring that nothing is sticky and able to burn. Secure the lid.
Select manual function and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Use a quick release, and remove the lid once steam is completely released.
Stir together water and arrowroot, then pour into the pot to thicken the sauce. Remove the chicken and shred with a fork. Return to the sauce
Serve over rice or cauliflower rice with fresh cilantro and salt to taste.
Recipe Notes
For the slow cooker, place the chicken at the bottom of the pot. In a medium sized bowl, stir together garlic, coconut milk, lime juice, zest, cumin, and salt. Pour on top of chicken. Cook for 5-6 hours on low, or until chicken can be shredded.
I used the crockpot method to make this meal and it will definitely be a new staple in our house. Incredibly easy and very delicious!
Yay!! love hearing that!!
I think the instant pot time may be off on this. Or I didn’t sauté the chicken enough. I make salsa chicken (1 lb and one jar) on high for 20 min with natural release so I questione it but went ahead… chicken was not done after 8 min. Put back in for another 9 and did natural release. May try passing on saut8ng next time and go right for what I know works.
Delicious! 8 min quick release worked perfectly .I left out the cilantro cause I forgot to pick it up at the store.
So happy to hear!
So glad I fell upon your page of recipes! This was the first one I tried and it is so creamy and delicious! I meal prep the same lunches and dinners for an entire week and I did not get tired of eating this every night! I was actually excited to eat it. Very good warmed up as a leftover.
So glad you loved it, Keri!
Great Keto chicken recipe. May I ask where is the nutritional information?
OMG!!! This is sooo good! Used chicken breast cut in chunks. Cooked 12 minutes then natural released for about 10.(chicken was partially frozen) served with cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Will DEFINITELY make again!