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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Vertical collage image with text overlay in the middle. Images of creamy coconut lime chicken, vegan hot chocolate, coffee cake, and a creamy coconut curry soup. this recipe

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.

Image of the brand Aroy D coconut milk.

Aroy-D Full Fat Coconut Milk

100% Coconut milk that’s thick and creamy

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Other good options for canned coconut milk are:

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
Overhead shot of dairy free creamy tuscan chicken with spinach and sun dried tomatoes and spoon coming out

Dairy Free Tuscan Chicken (Like Marry Me Chicken, No Cream)

4.62 from 518 ratings
It's basically marry me chicken without the cream. This is the dairy-free tuscan chicken we make on repeat at our house, and one of our top recipes. After years of testing dairy-free versions of chicken dinners, we still think this one is our personal best.
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2
A casserole dish filled with a creamy garlic spaghetti squash casserole, baked with broccoli, cheese, bacon, and green onions, with a serving spoon resting inside.

Creamy Garlic Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Paleo, Whole30, GF + Dairy-Free)

4.39 from 543 ratings
This creamy garlic spaghetti squash casserole is so saucy and delicious! It has a creamy dairy-free sauce packed with garlicky goodness. Only 8 ingredients and it's ready in about an hour.
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3
Overhead image of a skillet with green beans, a dairy free cream of mushroom sauce, crumbled bacon and plantain chips on top. Skillet has a serving spoon dug into the pan.

Creamy Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

4.50 from 6 ratings
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
A bowl containing cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, and spiced meat pieces from an easy curry beef recipe, garnished with chopped herbs, with a spoon and fork on the side.

Easy Curry Beef Bowls (Paleo + Keto)

4.67 from 51 ratings
This Paleo + 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
Overhead shot of creamy mushroom chicken in a pan with creamy dairy free sauce and kale

Stovetop Creamy Mushroom Chicken (Dairy Free)

4.84 from 12 ratings
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
A bowl of spiralized sweet potato noodles topped with a seasoned, cooked salmon fillet and garnished with chopped green onions.

Creamy Salmon Sweet Potato Noodle Bowls

4.30 from 50 ratings
This creamy salmon sweet potato noodle bowl is dairy-free with a coconut cream sauce and it's uniquely flavored with bacon and garlic and onion. Served over sweet potato noodles for a full meal!
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7
Bowl of instant pot butter chicken with spoon coming out

Instant Pot Butter Chicken (Paleo + Whole30)

4.70 from 23 ratings
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
Sliced chicken breast, green bell peppers, and leafy greens simmer in a creamy yellow Thai coconut curry sauce, cooked in a skillet. Salt and pepper bowls are visible beside the skillet.

Thai Coconut Curry (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4.09 from 12 ratings
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
A serving of dairy free chicken pot pie with a flaky crust sits on a white plate, next to a baking dish with the remaining pie and a serving utensil.

Chicken Pot Pie (Dairy Free)

4 from 4 ratings
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
Overhead image of skillet chicken thighs in mustard sauce with kale and bacon

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mustard Cream Sauce (No Dairy)

4.64 from 155 ratings
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
Vertical overhead image of skillet full of garlicky chicken in a creamy sauce with bacon.

Stovetop Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dairy Free)

4.67 from 54 ratings
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
Dairy Free, Vegan whipped coconut cream in a bowl with a serving spoon.

Light & Fluffy Coconut Cream Whipped Cream

4.70 from 13 ratings
Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this vegan and dairy-free coconut whipped cream recipe is light and fluffy with a smooth texture. 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 and gluten free pumpkin pie in pie dish with whipped coconut cream on top. One slice of pie missing from dish and two forks dug into the missing spot.

Dairy Free, Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie

4.04 from 29 ratings
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
A plate of creamy strawberry popsicles with granola at the base, beautifully garnished with fresh strawberries and strawberry slices.

Creamy Strawberry Popsicles (Paleo, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)

5 from 2 ratings
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
Three slices of coffee cake stacked up. A bite is taken out of the top piece.

Gluten Free Coffee Cake (Paleo + Vegan with Nut-Free Option)

3.60 from 50 ratings
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
Three scoops of coconut ice cream topped with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and a hint of no churn pistachio ice cream in a white bowl.

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
Vertical overhead close up image of pear cobbler in a skillet with a serving spoon dug in.

Easy Gluten Free Pear Cobbler Recipe

4.70 from 13 ratings
This easy pear cobbler recipe is gluten free and we also include Vegan options. It's made with almond and tapioca flours and sweetened with maple or coconut sugar. You will love the cozy and warming cinnamon and spices, paired with your favorite pears.
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18
Overhead image of a loaf of gluten free and dairy free pumpkin bread with coconut butter drizzled on top.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread

4.70 from 10 ratings
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
A pot of creamy orange chicken coconut curry soup with chunks of eggplant, mushrooms, and herbs, a wooden spoon in the pot, and a striped towel in the background.

Chicken Coconut Curry Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4.81 from 26 ratings
This Thai inspired chicken coconut curry soup is packed with vegetables and a creamy, savory curry broth. Filling and delicious, you'll fall in love with the depth of flavors and textures.
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20
overhead image of healthy zuppa toscana in a pot with kale, sausage and cauliflower

Dairy Free Zuppa Toscana

4.65 from 34 ratings
There's something extra cozy about a big bowl of soup on a fall day. This delicious Zuppa Toscana is a great way to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free soup! 
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21
A bowl of creamy tomato, Butternut Squash & Roasted Red Pepper Soup topped with pumpkin seeds and herbs, finished with a swirl of cream and a spoon resting inside. A small bowl of herbs sits nearby.

Easy Butternut Squash + Roasted Red Pepper Soup

4.70 from 10 ratings
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
A pot of creamy chicken pot pie soup with visible peas, carrots, mushrooms, herbs, and a wooden spoon, garnished with fresh sage leaves.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-free)

4.83 from 40 ratings
This chicken pot pie soup is creamy, thick and filled with everything you'd want in a chicken pot pie. A dairy-free version, this soup uses all real food ingredients to bring you a classic comfort food dish in a bowl.
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23
A bowl of creamy orange carrot soup garnished with roasted seeds, a swirl of green sauce, and a sprig of thyme, served with crackers and carrots on the side.

Carrot Ginger Soup (Vegan, Paleo + Whole30) Instant Pot

4.45 from 9 ratings
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
A glass of white piña colada smoothie with a lime slice on the rim sits on a marble surface, with lime pieces nearby.

Piña Colada Smoothie (Paleo, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)

4.15 from 14 ratings
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
Two white mugs filled with creamy pumpkin chai latte, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, are placed on a striped cloth next to plates of cake on a dark surface.

Pumpkin Chai Latte (Caffeine-Free, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)

4.28 from 11 ratings
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
A hand holds a glass of cherry smoothie topped with hemp seeds and a cherry, with a bowl of cherries and metal straws nearby on a marble surface.

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie (Paleo, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)

4.50 from 8 ratings
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
Two mugs of vegan hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows, viewed from above on a white surface.

Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate (with a boost of protein)

5 from 2 ratings
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
Straight on shot of almond butter smoothie

Banana Almond Butter Smoothie (Paleo + Dairy-Free)

3.81 from 51 ratings
Only four simple ingredients and you can mix and match ingredients to create different flavors!
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Other Unique Coconut Milk Recipes

29
Bowl of overnight oats topped with berry compote, walnuts, and a drizzle of nut butter, on a white marble surface.

“PB” And Jelly Overnight Oats (Grain Free)

4.11 from 29 ratings
These PB and jelly overnight oats are actually Paleo and dairy-free. They lack nothing in flavor and texture though! And they're super easy to throw together! 
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30
A crustless spinach quiche, baked with mushrooms and eggs, is shown cut into slices in a black cast iron skillet.

Crustless Spinach Quiche (Dairy-Free, Paleo)

4.36 from 51 ratings
This crustless spinach quiche is a great dairy-free breakfast option! Simple ingredients and easy prep make this the perfect recipe for a brunch or weekend breakfast. This will be a new go-to homemade spinach quiche recipe!
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31
A stack of paleo waffles topped with sliced strawberries, blackberries, and a dollop of whipped cream on a white plate.

Paleo Waffles (GF, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)

4.50 from 4 ratings
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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Coconut lime chicken with a creamy light orange sauce in a cast iron skillet with lime wedges and chopped cilantro on top
5 from 4 ratings
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30+ Coconut Milk Recipes: Coconut Lime Chicken

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
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!
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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).

Last Step:

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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.
Nutrition facts are an estimate provided for those following a Ketogenic or low-carb diet. See our full nutrition information disclosure here. 
Calories: 502kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 18g
Course: Main Course
Author: Justin Winn
Cuisine: Thai
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
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