Description
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish that highlights the vibrant taste of Brazilian cuisine. Made with tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut sauce, infused with spices, tomatoes, jalapeño, and fresh herbs, this dish delivers the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Gluten-free and paleo-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for a healthy yet indulgent meal!
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
Produce:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and finely chopped)
- 3 small tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
Canned Goods:
- 1 (14 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
Condiments:
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin (ground)
- 1 tsp coriander (ground)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Oils & Vinegars:
- 3 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
- Let sit for at least 10 minutes for better flavor absorption.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil (or coconut oil) over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and sear until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
- Simmer in Coconut Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: Use less cayenne or omit jalapeño for a milder version.
- For Extra Depth: Add a splash of chicken broth for more sauce.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in an extra ¼ cup coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
