Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together juicy chicken, creamy coconut milk, and bold spices. Inspired by Brazilian flavors, this dish has just the right amount of heat and richness, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an exciting new meal to add to your recipe rotation. Serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Bold & Flavorful: A rich coconut sauce infused with garlic, lime, and spices.
• Creamy & Spicy: Perfectly balanced heat with a creamy, velvety texture.
• Easy to Make: A one-pan dish that comes together in under an hour.
• Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or deep pan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
5. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
2. Reduce heat to low and cover, letting it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread.
2. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for extra brightness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coconut rice or garlic butter rice for a full meal.
• Serve with roasted plantains or a side of black beans for an authentic Brazilian touch.
• Add a fresh mango salsa on top for a fruity contrast!

Tips for the Best Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and absorb flavors better than chicken breasts.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce or increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This gives the sauce its creamy texture—don’t use light coconut milk!
• Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great meal-prep dish.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Q2: What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or a cashew cream alternative, but coconut milk gives the most authentic taste.

Q3: Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Spicy & Creamy Dish!

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and citrusy flavors. It’s an easy one-pan meal that will transport you to Brazil with every bite! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Did you make this recipe? Tag us on social media and share your delicious creation!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g

Enjoy this rich, spicy, and creamy Brazilian dish with your favorite sides!

Print