Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

If you’re craving bold, exotic flavors, this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. Combining tender chicken with creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and a touch of heat, this dish offers a rich and flavorful experience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

To bring this delicious recipe to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Optional:

• Lime wedges for serving
• Cooked rice or coconut rice as a side dish

Preparing the Chicken

For this recipe, the chicken is seasoned with bold spices and then seared to perfection before being simmered in the rich coconut sauce.

1. Season the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mix generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

If you want to serve this dish with a flavorful side, coconut rice pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.

Making the Coconut Sauce

The heart of this dish is its rich and creamy coconut sauce that’s infused with fragrant spices and peppers.

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Bell Pepper:
   • Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, then stir in the ground coriander and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Pro Tip: If you prefer an even creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for added richness.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce is simmering and flavors are well blended, it’s time to add the chicken back to the pan.

1. Return the Chicken:
   • Add the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Cover and let the chicken simmer in the coconut sauce for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once done, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a tangy finish.

For an extra side, consider making air-fried plantains, which offer a sweet and crispy complement to the creamy and spicy flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Milder Version: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Spicy Seafood Option: For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or white fish like cod or tilapia. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Pair the dish with homemade light brioche buns for a soft and slightly sweet side, perfect for soaking up the sauce.

FAQs About Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

2. What can I serve alongside this dish?

This dish pairs well with coconut rice, quinoa, or even air-fried plantains for a sweet and savory combo.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. The flavors will meld together even more after sitting, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.

4. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reduces. You can also add a bit more coconut milk or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.