If you’re craving a flavorful, creamy dish with a spicy kick, this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is exactly what you need! Inspired by the rich flavors of Brazil, this dish combines juicy chicken with a creamy coconut milk base, tangy lime, and vibrant spices. It’s a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect when served over rice, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
½ cup chicken broth
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Directions
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and season with paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Simmer:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
Finish & Serve:
Stir in the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and rich flavors of this Brazilian-inspired dish!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Make sure to pan-fry the tofu until crispy before adding it to the sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to make the dish as mild or spicy as you prefer. You can also add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish for more flavor and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the dish for a few extra minutes to reduce the sauce further, or you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s a great option for meal prep or making ahead for dinner parties.
What should I serve this with?
I love serving this dish over steamed rice, but you could also serve it with quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or when you’re looking to impress guests. The combination of creamy coconut milk, juicy chicken, and vibrant spices will leave you craving more. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. I know I’ll be making this again soon – it’s definitely become one of my favorites!
Recipe:
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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a mouthwatering dish with creamy coconut milk, juicy chicken, and vibrant spices. The slight heat from chili flakes and richness of coconut milk create the perfect balance of flavors. Perfect for serving over rice, this flavorful dish is easy to make, one-pan, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
½ cup chicken broth
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pan. Season with paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Pan-fry tofu until crispy before adding to the sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes for more or less heat. Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in a safe container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté & Simmer
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
