This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with aromatic spices and a hint of heat. Drawing inspiration from traditional Brazilian cuisine, this recipe balances the richness of coconut milk with the brightness of tomatoes and fresh herbs, creating a comforting yet exciting meal that will transport your taste buds to the lively streets of Brazil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in one dish
• The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level
• Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it an easy weeknight dinner option
• The dish comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy evenings
• It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily modified for different dietary needs

Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs provide more flavor and moisture than breast meat. They stay tender even with longer cooking times.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides essential aromatic flavor. You can substitute garlic paste in a pinch.
• Paprika: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor and beautiful color. Use smoked paprika for additional depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides the heat in this spicy dish. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the chicken. You can substitute with coconut oil for added flavor.
• Onion: Creates a flavor foundation. Yellow onion works best, but white or red onions can also work.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, color and texture. You can substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, warm notes essential to the flavor profile.
• Coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet dimension that complements the coconut.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a deeper, smokier flavor than regular paprika.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and richness. Fresh tomatoes can be used in summer when they’re at their peak.
• Coconut Milk: The star ingredient that provides creaminess. Use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory notes. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle depth of flavor during simmering.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish with its fresh, citrusy notes.
• Rice: Serves as the perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Replace the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the same cooking method. The coconut sauce works beautifully with plant-based proteins and vegetables.

Seafood Twist

Substitute the chicken with large shrimp or firm white fish cut into chunks. Reduce the simmering time to just 8-10 minutes since seafood cooks much faster than chicken. This variation offers a lighter take on the dish while still maintaining the delicious coconut flavor profile.

Extra Spicy Version

For heat lovers, add 1-2 diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the onions and bell pepper. You can also incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dollop of spicy Brazilian malagueta pepper sauce for an authentic kick that will really awaken your taste buds.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken pieces with garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to absorb these flavors for at least 15 minutes, though longer marination (up to 4 hours refrigerated) will result in more flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, using the moisture from the vegetables to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and aromatic. Add the cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Coconut Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and stir to combine with the spices and vegetables. Add the coconut milk, stirring well to incorporate. Return the chicken to the pan, add the chicken broth and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and the chicken will become tender. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving over rice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For maximum flavor, toast the cumin and coriander in a dry pan before adding them to the recipe
• Don’t rush the searing process – properly browned chicken creates a deeper flavor foundation
• If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes
• For a creamier sauce, use full-fat coconut milk rather than light versions
• Reserve some cilantro to add at the very end for a fresh burst of flavor
• Shake your coconut milk can well before opening, or stir thoroughly if the cream has separated from the liquid

How to Serve

Serve this vibrant Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, which provides the perfect neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete Brazilian-inspired meal, accompany it with a simple side salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil.

For an authentic touch, serve with traditional Brazilian side dishes like farofa (toasted cassava flour) or a simple tomato-onion vinaigrette. A cold Brazilian beer or a caipirinha cocktail would make the perfect beverage pairing. For a non-alcoholic option, a fresh passion fruit juice complements the spicy flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead

This dish is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can prepare the entire dish up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For longer storage, the Brazilian Coconut Chicken freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice for best results. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

You can also prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time and freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight before proceeding with the recipe.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily, so reduce the simmering time to about 15-18 minutes. For best results, cut them into even-sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly.

How spicy is this dish and can I make it milder?

This recipe has a moderate heat level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the marinade and use sweet paprika instead of smoked. You can always add more heat at the end with hot sauce or red pepper flakes for those who prefer spicier food.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to coconut milk?

Coconut milk is already dairy-free, making this recipe perfect for those avoiding dairy. However, if you have a coconut allergy, you could substitute with a cashew cream sauce, though the flavor profile will change substantially.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For slow cooker: sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. For Instant Pot: use the sauté function for the initial steps, then pressure cook for 8 minutes with a natural release of 10 minutes.

Conclusion

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary adventure that brings together the vibrant flavors of Brazilian cuisine in an accessible, everyday dish. With its creamy coconut sauce, tender chicken, and perfect balance of spices, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this versatile recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Give it a try and transport your dinner table to the sunny beaches of Brazil!

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