The Zesty Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting a mouthwatering spicy brazilian coconut chicken promises an adventure for adventurous palates craving bold flavors.

Coconut milk adds creamy richness that perfectly balances fiery peppers native to brazil’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb complex spices, creating a harmony of taste sensations.

Regional ingredients dance together, telling a story of brazilian kitchen traditions.

Unexpected heat mingles with smooth coconut undertones, challenging typical recipe expectations.

Fragrant herbs and zesty seasonings elevate this dish beyond ordinary meal preparations.

You can transform an everyday dinner into an extraordinary culinary journey with these simple yet spectacular ingredients.

Leftover Storage That Preserves the Creaminess

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring chicken remains fresh and sauce stays flavorful.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Warm chicken in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender during cooking, absorbing the rich coconut and spice flavors better than chicken breasts.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper. As written, it has a moderate kick that’s flavorful without being overwhelming.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. The coconut milk provides creaminess without using any dairy products, making it suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

What Makes This Brazilian Chicken Special

• Unleash Bold Flavors: Experience a vibrant Brazilian-inspired dish packed with spicy and aromatic ingredients that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare this recipe with minimal cooking skills, requiring simple steps and readily available ingredients for a stress-free culinary experience.
• Comfort in a Pot: Create a hearty one-pan meal that delivers rich, creamy coconut sauce and tender chicken, perfect for satisfying hungry families and impressing dinner guests.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable recipe suitable for casual dinners, potlucks, or when you crave something deliciously different without complicated techniques.

Ingredients That Bring the Heat and Cream

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the rich flavors of the spicy coconut sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic base to the marinade.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a robust and spicy flavor profile for the chicken.
• Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika: Provide depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Add sweetness and texture to the sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes, Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth: Form the creamy and tangy sauce base.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating the sauce.

• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal note to the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the recipe.

Steps to Get That Coconut Richness Just Right

Step 1: Infuse Chicken with Zesty Flavors

Grab chicken thighs and blend them with minced garlic, smoky paprika, fiery cayenne, salt, and ground black pepper.

Let the chicken soak up these vibrant seasonings for at least half an hour, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Base

Warm vegetable oil in a spacious pan over medium heat.

• Chopped onion
• Diced red bell pepper

Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their sweet, earthy essence.

Step 3: Awaken Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika.

Stir and cook for a minute, letting the spices bloom and fill the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.

Step 4: Create Luscious Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Creamy coconut milk
• Savory chicken broth
• Bay leaf

Season with salt and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to harmonize.

Step 5: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Nestle the marinated chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce.

Let them simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked and the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Discard the bay leaf.

Ladle the succulent chicken and rich sauce over fluffy rice.

Scatter fresh cilantro leaves on top for a burst of herbal brightness.

Tips to Balance Spices and Texture

• Let the chicken soak in spices for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Toast spices briefly in the pan to release their essential oils, enhancing the dish's aromatic complexity.
• Keep the heat low and steady while cooking to prevent sauce separation and ensure tender chicken.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Chop cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright color and fresh flavor profile.

Flavor Twists Inspired by Brazil

• Veggie Coconut Curry: Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, chickpeas, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Brazilian Bowl: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over roasted spaghetti squash for a lower-carbohydrate option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk as already specified, ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free and using olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Mild Family Friendly Version: Reduce cayenne pepper amount, replace with sweet paprika, and add a touch of honey for subtle sweetness and less heat for children or spice-sensitive individuals.

Serving Up a Colorful, Tasty Plate

• Tropical Feast Companions: Pair with coconut rice for an extra creamy texture that complements the spicy chicken.
• Zesty Side Kick: Prepare a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, bold flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes on top for added crunch and brightness that elevates the entire meal.
• Cooling Contrast: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or Brazilian-style quick pickled onions to cut through the spiciness and add refreshing notes.

Flaming Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Brazilian coconut chicken brings sizzling South American flavors to your dinner table, blending rich coconut milk with fiery peppers. Fragrant spices and tender chicken create a mouthwatering dish that transports you to Brazil’s culinary heart with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Cooked rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Infuse chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, allowing flavors to meld for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and red bell peppers until they become translucent and softened.
3. Introduce cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika to the pan, toasting the spices for approximately 60 seconds to unlock their aromatic essence.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, velvety coconut milk, rich chicken broth, and tuck in a bay leaf, seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a luxurious sauce base.
5. Nestle the marinated chicken pieces into the simmering liquid, reducing heat to maintain a gentle bubble, and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect tenderness and the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
6. Discard the bay leaf, plate the succulent chicken atop steamed rice, and adorn with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and brightness.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Reduce cayenne pepper amount for milder heat levels, perfect for those with sensitive taste buds.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their depth and complexity, elevating the overall dish’s aromatic quality.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg