Print

Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Print Recipe

Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken simmered in creamy coconut milk with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. This flavorful, mild, and comforting meal brings the tropical essence of Brazil to your dinner table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

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

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes or 2 tbsp tomato paste

Dairy and Oils

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

Herbs and Citrus

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice

Spices

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Having all ingredients ready helps the cooking process flow smoothly and keeps flavors vibrant.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant to create a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them evenly on all sides. This step locks in moisture and adds a wonderful texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste along with ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes, deepening the sauce’s complexity.
  5. Pour in Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour the coconut milk over the chicken mixture, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Citrus: Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped cilantro or parsley, and squeeze the fresh lime or lemon juice over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results compared to breasts.
  • Do not skip fresh citrus – lime or lemon juice brightens the rich coconut sauce perfectly.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to avoid breaking the coconut milk or overcooking chicken.
  • Add chili or cayenne pepper if you want to introduce some heat gradually.
  • Add fresh herbs right at the end for maximum fresh flavor impact.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brazilian chicken, coconut chicken, coconut milk chicken, quick dinner, tropical dish, Brazilian cuisine, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/brazilian-coconut-chicken/