Check out these deliciously easy recipes using coconut milk! From dinner to dessert and everything in between, you’ll find something new to try in this listing of coconut milk recipes.
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Making Recipes With Coconut Milk
We started cooking with coconut milk back when we first changed to a Paleo-based diet. We were looking for a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream and milk and found that full-fat coconut milk was the best substitute to use.
You’ll see that we’ve since perfected a dairy free coconut milk cream sauce for chicken that is used in various ways in some of the recipes in this listing.
We also use coconut milk as a coffee creamer, in smoothies, in healthy dessert recipes and curries and soups. It’s such a delicious ingredient that can be used in so many ways!
The Best Brands of Coconut Milk
Hands down – our go-to brand of coconut milk is Aroy-D full fat coconut milk. It is 100% coconut milk without any water, fillers or other ingredients. It’s thick and creamy and very similar in thickness to heavy cream.
Aroy-D Full Fat Coconut Milk
100% Coconut milk that’s thick and creamy
Other good options for canned coconut milk are:
- Thai Kitchen Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Native Forest Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Trader Joe’s Brand Coconut Milk
It’s important to note that most canned coconut milk will contain water, which separates in the can. To get the coconut milk back to a “creamy” consistency, you can run it in a blender for 30 seconds.
Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk
Coconut cream is just the thicker, creamier version of coconut milk. You can use either coconut cream or coconut milk for these recipes, the sauce will just be a little thicker with coconut cream.
Because coconut cream has more fat content than coconut milk, it’s a good option to use when you want a thicker, creamier coconut milk that’s more like heavy cream.
Coconut Milk Dinner Recipes
1
25-Minute Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Dairy Free)
Spinach, fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes combine in one pan to create this dairy-free creamy tuscan chicken in only 25 minutes. You can make it with either chicken thighs or breasts and serve it with rice, noodles or any side dish you wish!
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2
Creamy Garlic Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Paleo, Whole30, GF + Dairy-Free)
This creamy garlic spaghetti squash casserole is so saucy and delicious! It has a creamy, Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-Free sauce packed with garlicky goodness.
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3
Creamy Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
This creamy, dairy free green bean casserole has only 7 ingredients and will have you feeling like you're missing out on nothing at your holiday celebrations. And nobody else will even notice it's a cleaned up version of this classic side dish.
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4
Easy Curry Beef Bowls (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This Paleo, Whole30 + Keto easy curry beef bowls recipe is an easy favorite because it's SO fast, easy to make and delicious, too! Perfect weeknight dinner!
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5
Stovetop Creamy Mushroom Chicken (Dairy Free)
This stovetop chicken thighs and mushrooms recipe comes together in less than an hour using one pan. It’s lathered in a creamy dairy-free sauce.
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6
Creamy Salmon Sweet Potato Noodle Bowls (Paleo + Whole30)
We love bowl meals, so we created these Paleo and Whole30 creamy salmon sweet potato noodle bowls. They are dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free and have no added sugar.
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7
Instant Pot Butter Chicken (Paleo + Whole30)
This Paleo + Whole30 Instant Pot butter chicken is easy to make, full of rich flavors and versatile. It’s a belly and soul-satisfying butter chicken recipe!
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8
Thai Coconut Curry (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This Paleo, Whole30 + Keto Thai coconut curry is dairy-free, made with bone broth, curry paste, veggies and chicken. It's easy comfort food!
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9
Chicken Pot Pie (Dairy Free)
This dairy free chicken pot pie has a creamy, dairy-free filling with all the chicken pot pie goodies, and a crust that will have you swooning!
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10
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mustard Cream Sauce (No Dairy)
This skillet mustard chicken recipe is coated in a creamy, comforting, dairy-free mustard sauce. Made with chicken thighs and savory bacon bits.
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11
Stovetop Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dairy Free)
This stovetop creamy garlic chicken thighs recipe with bacon comes together in 30 minutes using one pan. It’s lathered in a creamy dairy-free sauce.
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Coconut Milk Dessert Recipes
12
Light & Fluffy Coconut Cream Whipped Cream
Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this vegan and dairy-free coconut whipped cream recipe is light and fluffy with a smooth texture. Top pies, berries, hot chocolate, and so much more with this whipped cream substitute. Plus, we include our top tips and tricks for making sure this coconut whipped cream holds its shape, and isn’t too oily or heavy. The secret is in the coconut cream you use!
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13
Dairy Free, Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie
This recipe for dairy free, gluten free pumpkin pie crust and pumpkin pie filling is buttery, flakey and melt-in-your-mouth good!
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14
Creamy Strawberry Popsicles (Paleo, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
Summer treats are the best! These creamy strawberry popsicles are a Paleo, dairy-free and refined sugar-free summer dessert your whole family will enjoy!
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15
Gluten Free Coffee Cake (Paleo + Vegan with Nut-Free Option)
This Gluten Free coffee cake is Paleo and Vegan friendly. It's the perfect companion with your morning cup or makes an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up!
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16
No Churn Pistachio Ice Cream (Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
A creamy bowl of ice cream hits the spot on a long summer day. This no churn pistachio ice cream is full of nutty, slightly salty and sweet flavors.
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17
Healthy Gluten Free Pear Cobbler Recipe
This easy pear cobbler recipe is gluten free and healthier, with Vegan options. You will love the cozy and warming cinnamon and spices, paired with your favorite pears.
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18
Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
This one bowl gluten free pumpkin bread is made with almond flour, coconut flour and arrowroot flour. Perfectly spicy and a crumbly topping!
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Soup Recipes With Coconut Milk
19
Chicken Coconut Curry Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This Thai inspired chicken coconut curry soup is packed with vegetables and a creamy, savory curry broth. It's a Paleo, Whole30 and low carb soup too!
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20
Healthy Zuppa Toscana (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
There’s something extra cozy about a big bowl of soup on a fall day. This Whole30 Healthy Zuppa Toscana is a great way to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free soup!
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21
Easy Butternut Squash + Roasted Red Pepper Soup
This dairy-free soup is made with roasted butternut squash and red bell pepper. You just need a sheet pan and a high powered blender.
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22
Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-free)
This chicken pot pie soup is Paleo, Whole30 and dairy-free and uses all real food ingredients to bring you a classic comfort food dish in a bowl.
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23
Carrot Ginger Soup (Vegan, Paleo + Whole30) Instant Pot
This Vegan, Paleo + Whole30 carrot ginger soup is made with coconut milk, carrots, ginger and some seasonings and topped with a dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
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Drinks with Coconut Milk
24
Piña Colada Smoothie (Paleo, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
Summer is calling, and this Paleo, dairy-free and refined sugar-free piña colada smoothie is just the thing to get you in the right mindset! It’s the perfect summer beverage, so kick your feet up and enjoy the vacation beverage vibes with this refreshing piña colada smoothie!
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25
Pumpkin Chai Latte (Caffeine-Free, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
After ending my affair with coffee, I got the idea to create a caffeine-free and paleo friendly pumpkin chai latte to stay cozy this fall and winter!
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26
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie (Paleo, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
It’s Smoothie season, and I can’t get enough of this Paleo chocolate cherry smoothie! It has all real food ingredients, no refined sugar and is dairy-free.
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27
Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate (with a boost of protein)
Use your favorite dairy free milk for this homemade Vegan hot chocolate. It is sweetened naturally with a touch of pure maple syrup, and we added a protein boost as well. Serve it up in a cozy mug with your favorite toppings!
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28
Banana Almond Butter Smoothie (Paleo + Dairy-Free)
Only four simple ingredients and you can mix and match ingredients to create different flavors! It's a simple, healthy smoothie that's easy to make!
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Other Unique Coconut Milk Recipes
29
“PB” And Jelly Healthy Overnight Oats (Paleo, GF, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
These PB and jelly healthy overnight oats are actually Paleo, grain-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free. They lack nothing in flavor and texture though! And they're super easy to throw together!
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30
Crustless Spinach Quiche (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This healthy crustless spinach quiche is a great Paleo + Whole 30 breakfast option! Simple ingredients and easy prep make this the perfect recipe for a Whole30 brunch. This will be a new go-to homemade crustless spinach quiche recipe!
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31
Paleo Waffles (GF, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
Weekend breakfasts mean stacks of Paleo waffles and pancakes! These Paleo waffles are Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free and Refined Sugar-Free.
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30+ Coconut Milk Recipes: Coconut Lime Chicken
This healthy, Thai-inspired coconut lime chicken is so flavorful, fresh and satisfying! Plus, we've rounded up some of the best coconut milk recipes that show how to use this delicious ingredient!
Ingredients
- 1 shallot, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated on a microplane
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, (plus more for topping)
- 1/3 cup lime juice, (about 2 limes)
- 4 chicken breasts, see notes
- 2 tbsp avocado oil, (or coconut oil)
- 1.5 cups coconut milk, see notes
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Lime slices for topping, (optional)
Instructions
- Prep shallot, garlic, ginger and cilantro as noted. Juice limes and set aside.
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper and pound them down to make them even in thickness. Sprinkle each side of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil.
- Once hot, add the chicken to the pan (you may have to cook the chicken in 2 batches depending on the size of your pan). Cook, without disturbing for 3-4 minutes, until a nice brown crust has formed. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium.
- Add more oil if needed and add the garlic and shallot to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, coconut milk, lime juice, ginger and cilantro to the pan. Stir to mix, scraping up any browned bits remaining in the pan from when you cooked your chicken.
- Add the chicken breasts back to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and turn heat down to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve with vegetables, potatoes, rice or cauli rice. Spoon some sauce over everything for serving. Sprinkle with cilantro and garnish with lime slices (optional).
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe. You should not have to pound the thighs (step 2). Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- We use Aroy-D brand full-fat coconut milk. This is the thickest, creamiest coconut milk we have found. If you use a canned brand like Thai Kitchen or Native Forest, the milk might not be as thick and you can omit the chicken broth.
Calories: 502kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 18g
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
