Description
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that is sure to impress. Tender chunks of chicken are simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with a blend of spices, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 jalapeño or red chili (sliced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add spices: Stir in the cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Combine ingredients: Add the tomato paste and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the seeds in the chili or add a pinch of cayenne.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs are more flavorful.
- This dish is also great with a side of sautéed greens or fried plantains.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion without rice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg