Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings tropical warmth to your dinner table in just 50 minutes. With aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken, this recipe creates a perfect balance of heat and richness that will transport your taste buds straight to Brazil. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for guests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: The canvas for our flavor masterpiece – they absorb all those wonderful spices and stay juicy in the coconut sauce.
• Spice blend (cumin, cayenne, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder): This powerhouse combination creates the signature warmth and depth that makes this dish special.
• Olive oil or coconut oil: Coconut oil adds subtle sweetness, but olive oil works beautifully too – use what you have!
• Onion: Provides the aromatic foundation that every great sauce needs.
• Jalapeño pepper: Brings just enough heat without overwhelming the dish – remove seeds for milder flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a zingy brightness that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.
• Garlic: Because almost everything tastes better with garlic! It adds depth and savory notes.
• Tomatoes: Creates body in the sauce while adding subtle acidity to balance the coconut milk.
• Lemon juice: That bright, citrusy pop that ties everything together and lifts the whole dish.
• Coconut milk: The star ingredient that creates the creamy, luxurious sauce – unsweetened is key to keep the dish savory.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro): Adds color and a fresh finishing touch that brightens the rich flavors.

Variations

Protein Swap

Try using boneless chicken thighs for even juicier results, or make it vegetarian with firm tofu or chickpeas for a delicious plant-based alternative.

Veggie Boost

Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Rice Integration

Turn this into a complete one-pot meal by adding 1 cup of rinsed jasmine rice and an extra cup of water or broth when you add the coconut milk.

Extra Tropical Touch

Add a cup of fresh pineapple chunks when you return the chicken to the pan for a sweet contrast to the spice.

How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and thoroughly coat them with the spice mixture, using your hands to ensure every piece is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spice-coated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Aromatic Base

Add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Add onion, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The fragrance at this point will be amazing!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add chopped tomatoes and lemon juice to the skillet, seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down. Then stir in the coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This dish shines when served over fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice that soaks up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully too.

Fresh Elements

Add cooling elements like a side of cucumber-yogurt salad to balance the spice, or fresh mango slices for a sweet contrast.

Bread Options

A side of warm naan or crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Garnish Ideas

Beyond herbs, try toasted coconut flakes, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The sauce might separate slightly after thawing, but it will come back together when heated.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce needs thinning. For microwave reheating, use medium power and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken brings together vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and creamy coconut in a way that makes weeknight cooking feel special. It’s one of those recipes that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort – exactly what we all need in our cooking repertoire. The combination of warming spices and cooling coconut creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to become a regular request in your home. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try this – your everyday dinner deserves this kind of deliciousness!

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