Sizzling Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe to Savor Today

Brazilian culinary magic weaves spicy coconut chicken into a vibrant tapestry of flavor.

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat, creating a sensory journey.

Coastal influences blend seamlessly with hearty ingredients that tell a rich cultural story.

Peppers and coconut milk merge in a delightful embrace of warmth and comfort.

Subtle heat builds with each succulent bite, inviting you to savor complex layers of taste.

Tropical notes whisper hints of adventure from brazil’s diverse kitchen traditions.

Come experience a dish that promises to ignite your palate and transport you to sun-drenched Brazilian landscapes.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: Flavorful Tropical Adventure

• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Get a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines bold Brazilian spices with creamy coconut milk, creating a tantalizing dish that awakens your taste buds with every bite.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Lean chicken provides substantial nutrition while the rich sauce adds incredible depth and satisfaction to your meal.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with optional heat levels, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone has different spice preferences.

Base Elements of Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main dish, preferably boneless and skinless for easier cooking.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Key ingredients that build a rich, deep flavor base for the Brazilian-style sauce.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that adds tropical richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and helps create a balanced cooking liquid.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the rich flavors.

• Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne, Turmeric: Spice blend that gives warm, complex, and spicy character to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking base.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and traditional Brazilian-inspired finishing touch.

How to Cook Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for your Brazilian chicken adventure.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Toss in chopped onion and let them dance and soften for about 3 minutes, releasing their sweet, mellow flavor.

Step 3: Boost Flavor with Spicy Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Introduce Juicy Tomatoes

Drop in diced tomatoes and let them break down and soften, creating a rich base for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Sprinkle in Magical Spices

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 6: Brown the Chicken

Add chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color on all sides, sealing in the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Create a Creamy Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes until it’s fully cooked and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 9: Final Flavor Boost

Squeeze in fresh lime juice and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed to make the flavors pop.

Step 10: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve hot, ready to transport your taste buds to Brazil!

Make Brazilian Chicken Like A Pro

• Control the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper based on your tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor experience.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or white fish for a versatile protein alternative that maintains the dish's delicious Brazilian-inspired profile.
• Toast coconut milk briefly before adding to intensify its nutty flavor and create a richer, more complex sauce.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to maintain a smooth, consistent texture and prevent coconut milk from breaking.
• Add extra lime zest or fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the overall flavor and introduce a zesty kick.

Reheating Brazilian Coconut Chicken Without Losing Spice

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and maintain sauce consistency.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for future quick meals.

Fresh Complements For Coconut Chicken

• Pair with Bold Brazilian Sangria: Craft a vibrant wine punch blending red wine, cachaça, fresh fruits like passion fruit and orange, creating a tropical companion that matches the dish's spicy complexity.
• Complement with Coconut Rice Pilaf: Prepare fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk, toasted coconut flakes, and a hint of lime zest to echo the recipe's tropical Brazilian flavor profile.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, radish, dressed with a zesty lime vinaigrette that cuts through the chicken's rich, spicy sauce and refreshes the palate.
• Serve alongside Brazilian Pão de Queijo: Offer warm, cheesy tapioca bread rolls that provide a chewy, comforting texture and help balance the dish's intense spice and coconut notes.

Brazilian Chicken Spice Variants

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture before cooking to achieve a similar texture and absorb the vibrant spices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all spices and broths are certified gluten-free, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grain for a low-carb alternative.
• Lighter Coconut Cream Version: Use light coconut milk and reduce broth quantity to create a less rich, more diet-friendly sauce while maintaining authentic Brazilian flavor profiles.
• Seafood Adaptation: Substitute chicken with white fish like cod or tilapia, reducing cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintaining the dish's signature spicy coconut sauce.

FAQs

• Is this dish authentically Brazilian?

While inspired by Brazilian cuisine, this recipe is a fusion dish that combines traditional Brazilian flavor profiles with modern cooking techniques, featuring key ingredients like coconut milk, spices, and lime.

• How spicy is this chicken recipe?

The heat level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper. As written, it offers a moderate spice level that provides warmth without overwhelming the palate.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.

• What makes the coconut milk important in this recipe?

Coconut milk adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices, creating a smooth and complex sauce that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Brazilian Spicy Coconut Chicken brings zesty tropical flavors dancing across your palate with rich, hearty ingredients. Creamy coconut and fiery peppers create a memorable meal that transports you straight to Brazilian kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids and Spices:

• 14 ounces (400 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an even heating environment.
2. Gently sauté onions until they transform into a translucent, soft texture, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
3. Introduce minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, allowing their intense flavors to bloom and permeate the cooking surface.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, stirring occasionally and enabling them to break down and meld with the developing flavor profile.
5. Sprinkle a vibrant blend of spices – cumin, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, salt, and pepper – ensuring thorough distribution across the skillet.
6. Carefully nestle chicken pieces into the spice-infused mixture, allowing each section to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
7. Stream coconut milk and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious, creamy liquid base that will gently envelop the protein.
8. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to simmer slowly, transforming into a tender, flavor-packed centerpiece.
9. When chicken reaches perfect doneness, brighten the dish with a zesty splash of lime juice, enhancing the overall complexity.
10. Finish by scattering fresh cilantro across the surface, adding a final layer of aromatic freshness before serving.

Notes

• Swap cayenne for milder chili powder if you prefer less heat, ensuring a family-friendly version that still packs flavor.
• Use skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and richer taste compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out more quickly.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini during step 4 to boost vegetable content and create a more nutritious one-pot meal.
• Freeze leftover sauce in portions for quick future meals, as the coconut milk base maintains excellent texture when reheated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg