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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken offers a vibrant fusion of creamy coconut milk, smoky paprika, and fiery chili flakes, creating an aromatic and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a rich sauce infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of lime, delivering a beautiful balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes that pair wonderfully with rice or quinoa.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)

Cooking Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Optional Garnishes & Serving

  • Fresh chili or jalapeño, sliced (for garnish)
  • Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and slice into large bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better surface searing.
  2. Season the chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
  4. Sauté the onion: Lower the heat to medium, add remaining tablespoon of oil if needed, and sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to build depth of flavor.
  6. Incorporate tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to deepen the sauce’s flavor and develop a rich base.
  7. Add liquids: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all flavors.
  8. Return chicken to pan: Return the browned chicken pieces along with any accumulated juices to the pan, stirring gently to combine.
  9. Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer uncovered, cooking for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
  10. Finish with lime and sugar: Stir in the fresh lime juice and brown sugar to balance the spiciness with a bright and subtle sweetness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Add cilantro: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro, tossing gently to coat the chicken evenly.
  12. Garnish: Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, sliced fresh chili or jalapeño, and toasted coconut flakes if desired.
  13. Serve: Serve the spicy Brazilian coconut chicken hot, spooned over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • Use coconut oil for a more authentic tropical flavor.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, verify that the chicken broth and tomato paste contain no gluten additives.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer uncovered to reduce further.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and toasted coconut for added texture and aroma.

Keywords: Brazilian chicken, coconut milk chicken, spicy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken curry, tropical chicken dish

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/spicy-brazilian-coconut-chicken-recipe/