Print

Malibu Chicken

Malibu Chicken

Malibu Chicken is a creamy, tropical-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich coconut cream and pineapple sauce. This flavorful recipe balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it offers a delicious, healthy, and customizable meal that transports your taste buds to a tropical getaway.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime

Dairy & Alternatives

  • 1 cup coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or cayenne pepper to add depth and subtle heat.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest on a plate.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the coconut cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to infuse flavor. Stir in the pineapple chunks and simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Finish and Combine: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the tropical sauce over each piece and let the mixture meld together for a few minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten and elevate the flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for better sweetness and texture compared to canned.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Simmer the coconut cream gently to avoid separation and maintain creaminess.
  • Taste the sauce before adding more salt to balance the natural sweetness of coconut.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices for a succulent bite.

Nutrition

Keywords: Malibu Chicken, coconut chicken, tropical chicken recipe, creamy chicken, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, gluten free