This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Instant Pot Coconut Cilantro Lime Chicken is a super simple dinner that comes together with just a few ingredients, and less than 10 minutes of prep time! A family favorite that can be served over rice or cauliflower rice for the easiest weeknight dinner!
Easy and healthy weeknight dinner for the win!
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.
As a nutritionist whose schedule has been absolutely crazy this month, I love nothing more than a healthy, tasty, and super easy dinner to keep us from the drive-through!
I use my Instant Pot for this recipe to make things even simpler and to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
Here is why you are going to love this dinner!
- So dang easy with only 6 ingredients
- Less than 10 minutes of prep time!
- The Instant Pot does the work for you! You can set it and forget it.
- So versatile! I have been eating this over my cilantro lime cauliflower rice all week as a delicious lunch. My kids have been eating in a tortilla as a taco.
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!
- You can add in optional arrowroot starch to thicken it up
Can you make this in the Slow Cooker?
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!!
Can you use Chicken Thighs?
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.
Serving and Storing:
This Coconut Cilantro Lime Chicken is perfect for dinner and works beautifully for lunch prep too. I love how versatile it i. Tuck it into taco bowls with a spoonful of my Best Homemade Salsa Ever, layer it over fresh greens for a vibrant salad, or keep it classic by serving it alongside Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. For a crunchy, refreshing contrast, it also pairs so well with Asian Slaw.
Instant Pot Coconut Cilantro Lime Chicken
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
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.
Love this recipe and thinking of trying it with coconut cream this time. Do you think that would work?
I had this recipe bookmarked for a while, but never tried it until tonight. Oh man,I regret not trying it sooner. Sooo easy and good! Next time I might add a jalapeno to give it a little heat. But I’ll surely be making it again.
I paired it with your cauli cilantro lime rice – also a winner! Yum.
My partner requests that I make this meal every week. It’s TOO easy and so satisfying and delicious. I add peas to it at the end and just love it.
Love this, thank you!
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!
Great Keto chicken recipe. May I ask where is the nutritional information?
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!
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!
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.
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!!