Description
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy coconut sauce and a kick of spice. Serve it over white rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Coconut Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 red chilies, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and red chilies. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve hot over white rice and garnish with extra cilantro.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred.
- Adjust chili quantity to your spice tolerance.
- For added richness, use a splash of chicken broth or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
