Description
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish with a perfect balance of heat, richness, and tropical flavors. The chicken is marinated in a zesty mix of coconut milk, spices, and a touch of heat, then seared to golden perfection. Finished off with a vibrant coconut sauce, this dish is sure to bring a taste of Brazil to your dinner table!
Ingredients
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coconut Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (or more for extra spice)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, sriracha (or chili sauce), salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade for the sauce) and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Sauce In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the cumin, paprika, and chili flakes to the vegetables, and cook for another minute to release the spices’ flavors. Pour in the reserved marinade, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to reheat and absorb some of the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice: You can adjust the amount of sriracha or chili flakes to your preferred spice level. If you like it milder, reduce the chili powder and sriracha.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, try using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks.
- Add Vegetables: Add vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the sauce to make the dish heartier and add extra nutrients.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a bit of heavy cream to the coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Brazilian