Description
Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken with tender chicken, rich coconut sauce, and bold spices. A quick, creamy, and delicious one-pan meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter (or extra olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1–2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken:
- Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onion until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chili peppers, then pour in coconut milk and diced tomatoes.
- Mix in turmeric, smoked paprika, and coriander and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
-
Combine & Simmer:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or vegetable
Notes
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a richer sauce.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken sit longer if possible.
- Sear for a Golden Crust: Locks in juices and enhances texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Reduce chili for mild, increase for extra heat.
- Make it Creamier: Add ½ cup heavy cream for a silkier texture.
- Pair with Sides: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or grilled plantains.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes