Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken brings tropical heat straight to your dinner table, blending zesty spices with creamy coconut in a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Key Spices and Coconut Milk:
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Mix ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 tablespoon lime juice with your chicken pieces. Let the chicken absorb those flavors for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté your diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and golden.
- Toss chopped tomatoes and sliced bell peppers into the skillet. Cook these vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and release their natural juices.
- Add your marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops light golden-brown edges.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon turmeric over the chicken. Stir to distribute the spices evenly across the meat.
- Pour the entire 14 oz can of coconut milk into the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook completely.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro and an extra tablespoon of lime juice for brightness.
- Garnish with additional cilantro leaves. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow the lime and spices to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing overall flavor.
- Choose full-fat coconut milk for a richer, more authentic Brazilian sauce that creates a velvety texture and deeper taste profile.
- If avoiding spice, reduce chili flakes by half or substitute with sweet paprika for a milder version that still maintains delicious complexity.
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian alternative that keeps the vibrant Brazilian-inspired seasoning intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg