Name: Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Adjust to taste.); to taste salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; to taste cooked rice (Serve over.); to taste fresh cilantro leaves (For garnish.)

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Brazil right into your kitchen. This recipe is a personal favorite of mine, one that I turn to on busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken thighs simmered in creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices creates a comforting meal that’s sure to delight.

Why you’ll love this dish

What makes Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken truly special is its incredible balance of flavors. It’s spicy yet creamy, making it a wonderful dish for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly and quick to prepare, meaning you can whip it up even on the busiest nights without much fuss. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, but it’s also sophisticated enough for entertaining friends.

"This dish blew us away! The flavors were so rich and bright. We’ll definitely be adding this to our regular rotation!" – A happy home cook

Preparing Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Creating this delicious dish involves a few straightforward steps that allow the ingredients to shine. You’ll sear the chicken to lock in flavor, sauté fresh veggies to build a base, and then let everything simmer until it’s irresistibly delicious. The process might sound intricate, but don’t worry; it’s actually quite simple!

What you’ll need

Before diving into cooking, let’s gather the essential ingredients for this recipe:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 bay leaf
Cooked rice for serving
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with breast meat or use different peppers for varying heat levels.

Directions to follow

Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse those fantastic flavors.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Spice It Up: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Let the spices heat for about a minute or two to release their oils.
Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the coconut milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Add the chicken broth and the bay leaf, mixing everything thoroughly.
Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
Season and Garnish: Once the simmering is done, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as necessary. Don’t forget to discard the bay leaf.
Serve: Spoon this delicious Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken over bowls of cooked rice, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for that extra touch of flavor.

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving this dish, the options are delightful! The creamy sauce is perfect over a bed of fluffy rice, but you can also pair it with quinoa for a twist. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that scrumptious sauce, or add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good), allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a suitable container for up to three months. Just ensure to reheat it thoroughly before enjoying again.

Practical cooking tips

To elevate your dish even further, here are a few handy tips:

Don’t rush the marinating step. Even 30 minutes can significantly enhance the flavors.
Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
If you love a little tang, squeeze some fresh lime juice before serving.

Creative twists

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations you might try:

Replace chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
Add a splash of lime juice or zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
Use red curry paste instead of cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.

Common questions

What’s the prep time for this recipe?

Expect to spend about 15 minutes on prep, plus an additional 25-30 minutes for cooking, making it a quick dinner option.

Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?

Absolutely! Using coconut cream will result in a richer and creamier sauce, but you might need to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything warms through.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken freezes exceptionally well. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container and consume it within three months for the best flavor and quality.

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and vibrant flavors that bring the heart of Brazilian cooking into your home. Enjoy your cooking adventure!