Delicious Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner
Course: Dinner / Main CourseCuisine: BrazilianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
40
minutes300
This Brazilian coconut chicken is creamy, comforting, and full of warm flavor. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich coconut sauce with garlic, onion, tomato, lime, and spices for an easy dinner that tastes special but is simple to make.
Ingredients
- Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Coconut Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can coconut milk, about 400 ml
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lime juice
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Season the chicken with lime juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper, chopped tomato, and tomato paste. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the tomato paste blends into the sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add paprika, chili flakes if using, and a little salt and black pepper. Stir well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes if you want it thicker. Stir in lime juice for freshness.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve warm with rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For more Brazilian-style flavor, serve this coconut chicken with white rice and a squeeze of fresh lime. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra chicken broth. If you like spicy food, add extra chili flakes or a small chopped chili pepper.
