Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans

Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans

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Ever wondered how to turn a regular chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy plate? This Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans might just be your new favorite answer. With vibrant citrus, creamy spiced cheese, and golden veggies, this dish is anything but ordinary.

The magic here lies in contrast: seared chicken soaks in a velvety coconut Alfredo sauce with lemon zest brightness, while the crispy green beans give a salty, nutty crunch thanks to Parmesan. It’s balanced, rich, and made to impress on both busy weeknights and dinner parties.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To master this dish, here’s what you need at hand:

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Nonstick Pan: Perfect for achieving a golden-brown sear on your chicken while holding heat evenly for the Alfredo simmer.
  • Medium Saucepan: For gently melting your coconut milk and crafting that luscious chili feta cream.
  • Sheet Pan with Rack: Ensures the green beans crisp up from all sides and don’t steam.
  • Zester or Microplane: Essential for extracting fragrant lemon zest without the bitter pith.
  • Tongs & Silicone Spatula: Allow for easy flipping and folding without tearing delicate textures.

Each tool plays its part to give you control over texture and timing—a vital combo for layered flavor success.


Ingredients for the Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans

  • Chicken Breasts or Tenders: The star protein, tender and juicy when seared.
  • Coconut Milk (Full Fat): Adds silky richness and a subtle tropical note to the Alfredo.
  • Fresh Lemon (Juice and Zest): Brings vibrant acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
  • Feta Cheese: Adds sharpness and texture to the sauce, balancing sweet coconut and spicy chili.
  • Red Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili: For a spicy kick that enhances the feta and lemon.
  • Garlic (Minced): Builds base flavor and depth.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Finely Grated): Melts and crisps beautifully on the green beans.
  • Green Beans (Trimmed): Provides the crisp veggie contrast to the creamy main.
  • Olive Oil & Butter: For sautéing and layering rich flavors.
  • Salt & Cracked Pepper: Enhances every element without overpowering.
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How To Make the Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat your skillet with olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Start the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in coconut milk, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer gently.

Step 3: Add the Chili Feta Cream

Crumble feta into the sauce and stir until partially melted. Add chili flakes to taste. Simmer on low until creamy and thickened.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Parmesan Green Beans

Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and grated Parmesan. Arrange on a rack over a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Plate

Place seared chicken back into the sauce for a final warm-through. Plate with green beans on the side, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with lemon slices or fresh herbs.


Serving and Storing Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo

Serve this dish hot, straight off the skillet with a ladle of extra sauce and a fresh lemon wedge for brightness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or light jasmine rice if you want something extra.

To store, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of coconut milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. The green beans may lose some crispness but can be reheated in the oven to revive their texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the chili feta cream?

It’s a mild-to-medium heat level. You can control the spice by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or opting for a milder chili.

Can I use canned coconut cream instead of milk?

Yes! Just thin it slightly with water or broth to match the consistency of full-fat coconut milk.

What kind of feta works best?

Use block-style feta in brine for best flavor and meltability. Crumbles tend to be drier and saltier.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a dairy-free feta alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan-style topping for the green beans.

Does this recipe freeze well?

The chicken and sauce freeze fairly well if stored separately from the green beans. The beans are best made fresh to keep that crisp texture.


Want More Chicken Alfredo Ideas?

You might also love the creamy depth of my Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, which adds spice and greens to the mix. Or if you prefer a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta offers a similar creaminess with a beefy twist.

Another must-try? My Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni — a meatier version with rich layers of garlic and cream. And if you want something lighter, don’t skip my Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a veggie-forward take on creamy comfort.

For more daily creations, check out my Pinterest boards at LadyPlate on Pinterest.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner board or weekly meal plan collection. Just click the Pin button.

If you try it, I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you tweak the spice? Add a different veggie? Let me know in the comments — I’m always curious to hear how these recipes take shape in your kitchen!


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Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans

Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

This Coconut-Lemon Chicken Alfredo with Chili Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Green Beans is a bold, flavor-packed dinner that brings elegance and ease to your table. Creamy coconut Alfredo sauce brightened with lemon coats tender chicken, while spicy feta adds depth. Crispy Parmesan green beans complete the meal with salty crunch. It’s vibrant, comforting, and absolutely delicious.


Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts or 4 tenders

1 cup full-fat coconut milk

1 lemon, juice and zest

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (or to taste)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups trimmed green beans

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper


Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in coconut milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer gently.

3. Crumble feta into the sauce and stir to melt. Add chili flakes and reduce heat to low, letting it thicken.

4. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and Parmesan. Spread on a rack over a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp.

5. Return chicken to sauce and warm through. Plate chicken with sauce and green beans on the side. Garnish with lemon slices or herbs.

Notes

Zest the lemon before juicing for ease and maximum flavor extraction.

Don’t overheat the feta cream — slow melting keeps it creamy, not gritty.

Crisp green beans on a rack so they roast evenly and don’t steam.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet & Oven
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Mediterranean + Tropical)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chicken alfredo, lemon chicken, coconut sauce, feta, green beans

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