This gluten free, dairy free and paleo chicken is made in one pan for easy clean up. Serve with rice or cauliflower rice, if desired.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, from about 1 1/2 lb.
1/4 t. sea salt
1/4 t. black pepper
1 T. coconut oil
1/2 c. red onion, (about 1/2 onion) chopped
1 whole red chili, chopped, optional
1 c. organic chicken stock
2 T. freshly squeezed lime juice from 1 large lime
1 T. chopped cilantro
1/2 t. red chili flakes
1/2 c. full-fat coconut milk from a can or coconut cream*
pinch turmeric powder, optional for color
1 T. arrow root starch for paleo/whole 30 or cornstarch mixed into 1 T. water, optional
Place chicken breasts between 2 pieces of plastic wrap; pound down to make even in thickness which helps chicken cook evenly and makes chicken tender. Season each side with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, melt coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts; cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until browned on each side. Transfer chicken to a plate; set aside. The chicken won't be fully cooked yet. Wipe down skillet with a paper towel to remove black/brown bits.
To the same skillet, add a little more oil along with chopped onion; sauté for a few minutes till softened. Add the chili pepper if using it; sauté several minutes. Add chicken stock, lime juice, cilantro and chili flakes; bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer; let simmer for about 5 minutes to let reduce down. Add the coconut milk and turmeric, if using; bring to simmer for 5 minutes. Add arrow root starch and water, if using. Raise heat slightly to bring to a boil to activate the starch. Once sauce thickens, reduce back down to a simmer.
Add chicken back to the skillet; cover; let cook for another 5-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked all the way through.
Serve garnished with cilantro and chilies along with rice or cauliflower rice with the sauce spooned over the top.
4 servings.
*To get it to thicken properly, aim to use a thicker, full fat coconut milk from a can.