🔥 Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

A bold, creamy, and flavor-packed chicken dish

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is bursting with flavor thanks to tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy coconut-tomato sauce loaded with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Finished with fresh cilantro and served over rice, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a tropical escape—but it’s easy to make right at home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Coconut Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

To Serve:

• Steamed white rice (Jasmine, basmati, or Brazilian-style)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix chicken with garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor).

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on all sides (don’t cook it through yet). Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the Spices

Stir in cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.

5. Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and coconut milk. Stir to combine.

6. Simmer the Chicken

Return chicken to the skillet. Add chicken broth and bay leaf. Stir everything together.

7. Cook Until Tender

Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Remove bay leaf.

8. Taste and Finish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve over steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with a lime-dressed green salad or grilled vegetables.
• For extra richness, try it with coconut rice.
• Don’t love cilantro? Try flat-leaf parsley instead.

🔄 Easy Variations

• Make it mild: Omit the cayenne for a kid-friendly version.
• Seafood version: Use shrimp instead of chicken. Cook shrimp in the sauce for just 5–6 minutes.
• Vegetarian: Sub in chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based twist.
• Add greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or peas at the end for extra nutrition.
• Citrus boost: A splash of lime juice brightens the whole dish.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce.
• Let the chicken get a good sear—those golden bits add major flavor.
• Simmer uncovered at the end if the sauce needs thickening.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

⚖️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 500–550
• Protein: ~30g
• Fat: ~35g
• Carbs: ~15g

🌍 Why You’ll Love It

This dish brings together all the best parts of Brazilian cooking: bold spices, creamy textures, and colorful ingredients. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and ideal for both weeknight meals or impressing guests. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible—spice it up, make it mild, or adapt it to suit any diet.

✅ Final Thoughts

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is comfort food with a tropical twist. From the rich coconut sauce to the warm, earthy spices and tender chicken, every bite is satisfying and vibrant. Serve it with rice, enjoy the leftovers, and let the bold flavors of Brazil add some spice to your dinner table.