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