Grilled Chicken with Coconut-Lime Slaw: Quick, Fresh, and Flavorful

A 20-minute grilled chicken and coconut-lime slaw meal that highlights zesty, fresh, and nourishing flavors, perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 28, 2025

A 20-minute grilled chicken and coconut-lime slaw meal that highlights zesty, fresh, and nourishing flavors, perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.

Grilled Chicken with Coconut-Lime Slaw: A Healthy, Fast, and Flavorful Meal

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, look no further than grilled chicken with coconut-lime slaw. This dish offers the perfect balance of lean protein and crunchy, tangy slaw—delivering both vibrant flavor and nourishing nutrition. Juicy chicken cutlets grill up in minutes, while the creamy, zesty coconut-lime dressing adds a fresh twist, making this recipe a weeknight favorite that feels special enough for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 Minutes: Minimal prep and cook time means you can have a wholesome meal on the table, fast.
Vibrant, Nutritious Flavors: A punchy lime dressing, creamy coconut milk, and crisp vegetables deliver big taste and impressive nutrition.
Healthy and Balanced: High in protein and fiber, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free. Ideal for healthy eating goals.
Ideal for Weeknights: The simple steps and quick cook time make this a go-to for busy evenings.
Special Enough for Guests: The colorful plate presentation and unique flavors are sure to impress family and friends.

Key Ingredients

This dish comes together with a straightforward, fresh ingredient list. Each component plays a distinct role in the balance of flavors and textures:

Chicken cutlets: Lean, boneless, and skinless—chicken cutlets grill rapidly and evenly for juicy results.
Lime: Both the zest and juice are used, providing brightness and tang to the slaw and a key finishing note on the chicken.
Coconut milk: Delivers creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the slaw dressing, echoing tropical flavors.
Red cabbage: Thinly sliced, it gives crunch and deep color as the base of the slaw.
Scallions: Add sharpness and freshness, complementing the cabbage.
Fresh cilantro: An herby, aromatic finish on the slaw, adding green vibrancy.
Fish sauce: Provides umami and depth to the dressing, balancing the sweetness and acidity.
Sugar: Just enough to round out the tanginess of the lime and saltiness of the fish sauce.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors.

Complete Ingredients List

8 small chicken cutlets
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Zest of 1 lime
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
3 Tbsp coconut milk (unsweetened, full-fat or light)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp fish sauce
1 lb red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 scallions, cut into matchsticks
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. For best results, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle chicken cutlets on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
Grill the Chicken: Place chicken cutlets on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once. The goal is tender, just-cooked chicken with good grill marks.
Prepare the Slaw Dressing: While the chicken cooks, grate the zest of the lime into a small bowl and reserve. Squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice into a large bowl. Whisk in coconut milk, sugar, and fish sauce until the sugar is dissolved.
Mix the Slaw: Add the thinly sliced red cabbage and matchstick-cut scallions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Finish the Chicken: When the chicken is finished grilling, immediately sprinkle with reserved lime zest for a burst of citrus flavor.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the grilled chicken and coconut-lime slaw among plates. Top the slaw with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

This meal provides a nourishing balance of macronutrients with a bright, fresh profile. Here’s the nutrition per serving:

Calories	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fiber	Sugars (Added)	Total Fat (Sat. Fat)	Cholesterol	Sodium
217 kcal	31 g	11 g	3 g	5.5 g (1 g added)	6 g (3 g)	78 mg	272 mg

*Values are approximate, based on a single serving. Nutrition may vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Make It Your Own

Protein Options: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or use tofu or shrimp for variety.
Vegetable Additions: Shredded carrots, napa cabbage, or thinly sliced bell peppers can be tossed into the slaw for more crunch and color.
Extra Heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of spice.
Dressing Variations: Swap fish sauce for soy sauce to make it vegetarian, or add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or fold into whole grain wraps for a portable meal.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

Let the chicken come to room temperature for even cooking.
Oil the grill grates well and preheat thoroughly to avoid sticking.
Do not overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
Use a meat thermometer for safety—a reading of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point ensures doneness.
Rest the chicken briefly before serving for optimal juiciness.

Meal Prep & Leftover Ideas

Advance Prep: You can slice the vegetables and prepare the slaw dressing up to a day ahead, refrigerating separately. Toss together just before serving for best texture.
Storing Leftovers: Store chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How to Use Leftovers: Leftover chicken is great on salads, in wraps, or tossed into grain bowls for lunch the next day.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve with a bowl of coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad.
Beverage Pairings: Try with iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, or a light sauvignon blanc.
Dessert Ideas: For a sweet finish, fresh mango or grilled pineapple rounds out the meal beautifully.

Health Benefits

High Protein: Supports muscle health and keeps you fuller longer thanks to lean chicken.
High in Fiber: Red cabbage and scallions provide dietary fiber for digestive health.
Rich in Antioxidants: Red cabbage contains vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other phytochemicals.
Low Sugar: Minimal added sugars make this dish suitable for blood sugar-conscious eaters.
Low Carb: This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, ideal for light or reduced-carb diets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

A: Yes. For best results, slice the breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets to ensure quick, even cooking and juicy results.

Q: How do I make the slaw dairy free?

A: The slaw is dairy free as written, using coconut milk for creaminess instead of yogurt or mayonnaise.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

A: Absolutely. Substitute grilled tofu or seared tempeh for chicken, and use soy sauce in place of fish sauce for the dressing.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?

A: Store the grilled chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The slaw may soften slightly after a day but remains flavorful.

Q: What type of coconut milk works best?

A: Either full-fat or light canned coconut milk works well. Shake the can thoroughly beforehand for an even consistency. Avoid sweetened coconut milk typically used for beverages.

Reader Inspiration: Nutrient Highlights

The coconut-lime slaw delivers vitamin C and antioxidants, while grilled chicken is a lean source of protein. Combined, they create a meal that’s light yet satisfying, supporting both taste and well-being. This balanced dish is also naturally free of gluten and contains no refined grains, making it suitable for a range of healthy diets.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken with coconut-lime slaw is a perfect example of how fresh, wholesome ingredients can create a meal that’s as flavorful as it is healthy. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, satisfying plate that’s sure to liven up any weeknight dinner—or impress guests on the weekend. Its bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and ease of preparation make this a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete