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Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime

Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime
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Tender chicken thighs braised in creamy coconut milk, enhanced with the fiery heat of harissa paste and brightened with fresh lime juice. This one-pot dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, ideal for an easy and impressive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 4 to 6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) fresh or canned coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the pan and sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onions and minced garlic to the same pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, making sure not to burn them.
  3. Create the sauce: Stir in the harissa paste, coating the onions and garlic evenly. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer, mixing well to combine all flavors.
  4. Braise the chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook slowly for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce.
  5. Finish with lime and herbs: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • Don’t rush the searing process; a good crust adds texture and depth.
  • Stir gently to prevent coconut milk from curdling; avoid aggressive boiling.
  • Adjust the amount of harissa and lime juice to balance heat and acidity to your taste.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut milk chicken, harissa chicken, braised chicken, spicy chicken, lime chicken, one-pot chicken, coconut milk recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/coconut-milk-braised-chicken-with-harissa-and-lime/