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Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 5 reviews

A flavorful Brazilian Coconut Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fresh cilantro, served over steamed rice for a comforting and exotic meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 14-ounce (400 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Spices and Flavorings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 14-ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk

Serving

  • Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  5. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken to your taste preferences.
  6. Add liquids: Pour in the coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to start forming the sauce.
  7. Incorporate tomatoes and lime juice: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the lime juice to add acidity and depth to the sauce.
  8. Simmer the dish: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
  9. Add cilantro: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Serve: Serve the Brazilian coconut chicken hot, spooned over steamed rice and garnished with extra cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your preferred spice level.
  • Using fresh lime juice brightens the flavor; bottled lime juice may alter the taste slightly.
  • Steamed jasmine or basmati rice works well as a side to absorb the flavorful sauce.
  • For a richer taste, use full-fat coconut milk.
  • Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brazilian chicken, coconut chicken recipe, creamy chicken curry, coconut milk chicken, spicy chicken dish