Tropical Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice Recipe

Zesty Tropical Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice Recipe

Summers call for vibrant, zesty flavors that dance across classic coconut lime grilled chicken and rice.

This recipe captures the essence of beachy, sunshine-filled moments with a burst of Caribbean-inspired ingredients.

Tropical marinades infuse each tender chicken piece with bright, tangy notes that make taste buds sing.

Lime’s sharp acidity perfectly balances the rich, creamy coconut undertones in this simple yet elegant dish.

Fresh herbs and simple spices elevate the proteins to a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

The combination of grilled chicken and fluffy rice creates a satisfying plate that transports you to a warm, breezy coastline.

One bite promises a culinary escape that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for This Grilled Chicken Bowl

For Marinade Base:
  • Coconut Milk: Creates luscious, creamy base that tenderizes chicken and adds tropical richness.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents chicken from sticking during grilling.
  • Lime Juice and Zest: Brightens dish with zesty citrus punch and helps break down chicken proteins.
  • Honey: Balances acidity and helps chicken caramelize beautifully on grill.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides deep, earthy undertone with robust flavor profile.
  • Ginger: Adds warm, spicy note and supports meat tenderization.
  • Cumin: Introduces warm, smoky complexity to marinade.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers subtle heat and exciting flavor kick.
For Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Salt: Amplifies overall flavor and helps chicken retain moisture.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle spiciness and rounds out seasoning.
  • Fresh Herbs: Contributes fresh, vibrant layer of flavor and visual appeal.
For Serving:
  • Rice: Neutral base that absorbs marinade flavors perfectly.
  • Lime Wedges: Allows additional citrus brightness when squeezing.
  • Optional Toppings (Avocado, Mango Salsa): Provides extra texture and complementary freshness.

Gear That Gets It Grilled Just Right

  • Mixing Bowl: Large container for combining marinade ingredients.
  • Zip-Top Bag: Alternative container for marinating chicken.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient quantities.
  • Grater: For zesting lime and grating fresh ginger.
  • Grill or Grill Pan: Primary cooking surface for chicken.
  • Tongs: For safely handling and turning chicken on grill.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken after grilling.
  • Cutting Board: Surface for preparing ingredients and slicing.
  • Instant-Read Thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.

From Grill to Plate: Cooking Instructions

  • Craft the Flavor Bath

Mix a zesty blend of coconut milk, olive oil, lime zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey. Toss in cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken in this tropical marinade and let it chill in the refrigerator for 1-4 hours.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high. Shake off excess marinade from chicken and place on hot grates. Grill each side for 5-6 minutes, creating beautiful char marks. Chicken is ready when internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the meat rest and relax for a few minutes.

  • Create Your Tropical Feast

Slice the juicy grilled chicken and nestle it over warm rice. Brighten the dish with fresh lime wedges, scattered herbs, and optional toppings like creamy avocado or sweet mango salsa. Enjoy your flavor-packed tropical meal!

Ideas for Flavor Boosts & Swaps

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to enhance the tropical profile.
  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version that still captures the dish's vibrant flavors.
  • Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the marinade's zesty coconut profile for a plant-based alternative.
  • Prepare marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop more intensely before grilling for maximum taste impact.

Serving Up a Chicken & Rice Showstopper

  • Tropical Vacation Plate: Create a vibrant beach-inspired presentation with bright lime wedges and fresh cilantro scattered around the chicken and rice.
  • Weekend Fiesta Style: Top the dish with homemade mango salsa, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and tropical flair.
  • Fresh and Light Lunch Option: Pack the grilled chicken and rice in a portable container with separate compartments for herbs and garnishes, perfect for a refreshing work or picnic meal.
  • Family-Style Sharing Feast: Arrange chicken on a large platter with rice, provide extra lime wedges, and let everyone build their own delicious bowl with fresh toppings.

Keep It Fresh: Make-Ahead & Storage Hacks

  • Slice cooked chicken before refrigerating to make quick lunch assembly effortless during busy weekdays.
  • Store marinated chicken in airtight containers, keeping marinade separate from meat to maintain maximum taste and prevent soggy texture.
  • Keep leftover grilled chicken sealed in containers for 3-4 days, ensuring optimal freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to maintain quality for up to 2 months – perfect for future quick meals.
Print
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Tropical Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice Recipe

Tropical Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x
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Description

Coconut lime grilled chicken and rice brings tropical flavors from Caribbean kitchens straight to dinner tables. Zesty lime and creamy coconut create a perfect balance, inviting you to savor each juicy bite of this delightful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro or basil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice and zest of 2 limes
  • Cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra chopped herbs for garnish
  • Optional: sliced avocado, mango salsa, or grilled veggies

Instructions

  1. Marination Preparation: Whisk coconut milk, olive oil, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs into a smooth marinade. Submerge chicken completely, ensuring thorough coating, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
  2. Grilling Process: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (around 400°F). Drain chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place chicken on hot grates, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown char and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow meat to rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing to preserve juiciness.
  3. Plating and Garnishing: Layer warm rice as a base, artfully arrange grilled chicken slices on top. Enhance presentation with fresh lime wedges, scattered herb leaves, and optional accompaniments like diced avocado or vibrant mango salsa for added texture and brightness.

Notes

  • Longer marinating (4-6 hours) allows deeper flavor penetration, making chicken more tender and infused with coconut-lime essence.
  • Medium-high heat prevents burning while ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior; use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
  • Fresh cilantro or mint complement coconut-lime profile, adding brightness and complexity to the dish’s overall flavor.
  • Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version, or use gluten-free tamari instead of traditional seasonings for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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