Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant, creamy, and slightly spicy dish with tender chicken thighs simmered in a coconut milk sauce with fresh chili, ginger, and lime. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 red chili peppers, sliced (jalapeño or Fresno)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Lime wedges and toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Set aside.
- In the same pan, cook onion with a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and chili slices; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add red bell pepper and tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes until peppers soften.
- Sprinkle in cumin, turmeric, and cayenne (if using); stir 30 seconds to bloom spices.
- Add chicken broth, scraping up bits, then coconut milk, lime zest, and juice. Adjust salt to taste.
- Return chicken to pan, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer 5–10 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning, sprinkle cilantro, serve with rice, lime wedges, and toasted coconut flakes.
Notes
- For milder dish, use 1 chili and skip cayenne.
- Substitute chicken breasts if desired (reduce simmering time).
- Vegetarian option: use chickpeas or tofu.
- If sauce splits, whisk in a splash of coconut milk off the heat.
- Leftovers keep 4 days and freeze well. Adjust seasoning at the end for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear, Simmer
- Cuisine: Brazilian