Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
A flavorful and spicy Brazilian chicken dish cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, perfect for serving with rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2lbchicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1piecemedium onion, finely chopped
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 1piecered bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1pieceyellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1tspground cumin
- 1tsppaprika
- 1/2tspchili powder
- 1/4tspcayenne pepper (optional)
- 1cancoconut milk (14 oz)
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 1tbspfresh lime juice
- 1tspsugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
- Cooked white rice or crusty bread
- Lime wedges
How to make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add the tomato paste and stir until evenly mixed.
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the lime juice and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish.
Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread, and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Marinate the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking for a richer flavor.
You can add vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a heartier dish.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the chili powder and cayenne pepper.
@chefspalette
Chefspalette is a culinary artist known for her innovative fusion recipes that merge traditional flavors with modern twists. Writing for Chefadora involves exploring diverse cuisines,...