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.
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
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in coconut milk and mix until combined.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 20 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
- 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.