Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with bold spices and tender chicken. Inspired by Brazilian cuisine, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors. With aromatic seasonings like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, plus the freshness of lime and cilantro, it’s a satisfying and vibrant meal that’s perfect for dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coconut Sauce:
-
1 small onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
-
1-2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust for spice level)
-
1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
-
1 teaspoon ground coriander
-
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
-
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
-
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for the best texture)
-
Juice of 1 lime
For Garnish:
-
Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coconut Sauce:
-
1 small onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
-
1-2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust for spice level)
-
1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
-
1 teaspoon ground coriander
-
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
-
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
-
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for the best texture)
-
Juice of 1 lime
For Garnish:
-
Fresh cilantro, chopped
-
Lime wedges (for serving)
Notes
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and color. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic.Use Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter version of this dish. Shrimp will cook faster, so be sure to add them in after the sauce has thickened.Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. For more heat, add a chopped fresh chili or more crushed red pepper flakes.
