Sizzling Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe to Wow Guests

Brazilian kitchens have long celebrated this spicy coconut chicken as a vibrant culinary treasure.

Regional flavors dance through each succulent bite of marinated meat.

Coconut milk creates a silky, rich base that captures traditional Brazilian cooking techniques.

Peppers and herbs infuse intense depth into every morsel of protein.

Bright lime zest cuts through the creamy sauce with remarkable precision.

Chefs in salvador and rio de janeiro have perfected this robust dish over generations.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking immediately to experience these remarkable flavor combinations.

Top Questions About Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• What makes this Brazilian chicken recipe unique?

The combination of coconut milk, Brazilian spices, and the balance of heat from cayenne and smoked paprika creates a rich, complex flavor profile that sets this dish apart from typical chicken stews.

• Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, the recipe has moderate heat from cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne according to your preference.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken parts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.

• What are the key Brazilian spices in this dish?

Cumin, smoked paprika, and the combination of cayenne pepper are traditional Brazilian spices that give this chicken dish its distinctive South American flavor profile.

Why Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stands Out

• Spice Up Your Meal Adventure: Dive into a flavor-packed Brazilian dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary journey with bold, vibrant spices and rich coconut sauce.
• Master Global Cooking Easily: Learn an authentic Brazilian recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for home chefs wanting to explore international cuisines.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This one-pan wonder delivers intense flavors that appeal to both adventurous eaters and those who love hearty, satisfying meals with a tropical twist.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, combining simple ingredients that create a complex, mouth-watering experience without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need For Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that absorbs the spicy and aromatic marinade perfectly.

• Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and sweetness to the dish.

• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a bold and spicy flavor profile for the chicken.
• Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika: Adds complex and warm undertones to the sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes, Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth: Builds a rich and creamy sauce base with tangy and tropical notes.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle herbal background flavor during cooking.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

How To Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken At Home

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Infusion

Whisk together a zesty marinade with garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Massage the mixture into the chicken, allowing the spices to dance and penetrate the meat.

Let the chicken luxuriate in these bold flavors for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle and Soften the Base

Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

• Diced onions
• Chopped red bell peppers

Sauté until the vegetables become tender and translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics.

Step 3: Awaken the Spice Symphony

• Ground cumin
• Crushed coriander
• Smoked paprika

Toast the spices for a minute, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating fragrance that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Brazilian Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Coconut milk
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaf

Stir thoroughly, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a rich, velvety sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Merge Chicken and Sauce

Nestle the marinated chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken will become incredibly tender, absorbing all the vibrant flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Pluck out the bay leaf. Shower the dish with fresh cilantro and serve atop fluffy rice, bringing a taste of Brazil to your dinner table.

Cooking Smarts For Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste.
• Opt for full-fat coconut milk to create a richer, more luxurious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance.
• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's vibrant Brazilian-inspired profile.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter, more intense tomato flavor when in season.

Flavor Spins On Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Tropical Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with large shrimp, reducing cooking time to 10-15 minutes for perfect tenderness.
• Vegetarian Brazilian Bowl: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like butternut squash and chickpeas, keeping the original spice blend.
• Creamy Coconut Fish Version: Use white fish fillets like cod or tilapia, adjusting cooking time to 8-10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Slow Cooker Brazilian Feast: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours for deeper flavor infusion and ultra-tender meat.

What To Eat With Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Pair with Brazilian Caipirinha: Blend cachaça, lime, and sugar for a zesty cocktail that matches the dish's vibrant spices and tropical coconut notes.
• Create Refreshing Lime Rice Accompaniment: Prepare white rice with fresh lime zest and juice to complement the chicken's rich, spicy flavor profile and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Serve with Brazilian Farofa Side: Sprinkle toasted manioc flour mixture over the dish for a traditional Brazilian crunch that adds textural contrast and authentic regional flair.
• Enjoy with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's heat and enhance its coconut and tomato-based sauce with bright, clean acidity.

How To Store Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour chicken and sauce into a pan. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Sunfire Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Brazilian coconut chicken brings tropical heat to your dinner table with a perfect blend of zesty spices and creamy coconut milk. Succulent chicken pieces dance with bold flavors, promising an unforgettable culinary journey that transports you straight to Brazil’s vibrant kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) 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

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Instructions

1. Massage chicken pieces with aromatic spices including garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions and vibrant red bell peppers until they soften and become translucent.
3. Introduce ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika to the pan, stirring continuously for approximately one minute to release their intense fragrance and develop deep flavor complexity.
4. Pour diced tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, savory chicken broth, and add a single bay leaf into the skillet, blending ingredients thoroughly and allowing the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state.
5. Carefully nestle marinated chicken pieces into the simmering sauce, reducing heat to low, covering the pan, and allowing the chicken to cook slowly for 20-25 minutes until meat becomes fork-tender and fully cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired, then discard the bay leaf and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish before serving alongside steamed rice.

Notes

• Ensure chicken marination develops deep flavor by letting it sit longer, ideally 2-4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.
• Swap cayenne pepper with milder chili powder for a less intense heat profile, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat that absorbs sauce flavors more effectively than chicken breasts.
• Consider dairy-free or vegan alternatives by replacing chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, maintaining the rich coconut sauce’s complexity while creating a plant-based version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg