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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Ali Zain

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a creamy, fiery, and flavor-packed dish inspired by Brazilian cuisine. Tender chicken is simmered in a coconut milk sauce with bold spices for the perfect comfort food. Serve it with rice for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels exotic yet simple to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 can 13.5 oz coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili flakes or more for extra spice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper until softened.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in coconut milk and mix until combined.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 20 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Add lime juice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with rice.

Notes

  • Adjust chili flakes to your spice level.
  • Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs stay juicier.
  • Serve with white rice, quinoa, or warm bread to soak up the sauce.

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