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Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime

Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime
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Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, slow-braised chicken cooked in creamy coconut milk infused with smoky harissa paste and brightened with fresh lime zest and juice. This recipe balances creamy, spicy, and fresh elements to create a vibrant yet soothing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. This helps develop a beautiful crust during searing and locks in flavor throughout the cooking process.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down first and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside for later.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Harissa: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the harissa paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  4. Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in coconut milk, chicken broth, lime zest, and lime juice. Scrape the browned bits off the bottom to incorporate all those flavorful remnants. Return the chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them gently into the sauce.
  5. Simmer and Braise: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Allow the chicken to braise for 30 to 40 minutes until it is tender and fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Final Touches: Check seasoning and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed for balance. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and juiciness.
  • Start with less harissa and adjust spice level to your taste.
  • Allow slow braising for tender, flavorful chicken.
  • Simmer uncovered in the last 5-10 minutes if sauce is too thin.
  • Fresh lime zest adds essential brightness not matched by bottled juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut milk chicken, harissa chicken, lime chicken, braised chicken, spicy chicken, creamy chicken dish, North African inspired

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