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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

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  • Author: mohamed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Brazilian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A delightful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in creamy coconut milk, enriched with spices and fresh chili peppers for a tropical culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 12 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 14 oz can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
  • Cooked white or brown rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Add chopped onion to the same pan with a pinch of salt and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced chili peppers; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Toss in the red bell pepper and tomato paste; cook for another 1-2 minutes until peppers soften.
  7. Sprinkle ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne into the pan, stirring for 30 seconds.
  8. Pour chicken broth and coconut milk into the pan, adding lime zest and juice. Stir to combine.
  9. Return the seared chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until cooked through.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving over rice.

Notes

The flavors deepen when made a day ahead. Serve with additional lime wedges and toasted coconut flakes.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 440
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg