The Zesty Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Craving a mouthwatering spicy Brazilian coconut chicken dish that bursts with exotic flavors?

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat, creating a sensational culinary experience.

Tropical ingredients blend seamlessly in this vibrant recipe from brazil’s rich cuisine.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb creamy coconut milk and fiery seasonings that make taste buds sing.

Each bite promises a journey through brazil’s passionate cooking traditions.

Peppers and herbs combine to deliver an unforgettable meal that will transport you straight to são paulo’s bustling kitchens.

You won’t be able to resist making this incredible recipe again and again.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse deep flavors from spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne, ensuring a more delicious and flavorful chicken dish.

• Can I use different types of peppers?

Yes, you can substitute red and yellow bell peppers with green bell peppers or even jalapeños if you want extra heat. Just ensure they are fresh and chopped evenly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a moderate heat level from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne according to your preference.

• What makes the sauce creamy?

Coconut milk creates a rich, creamy texture in the sauce, adding a smooth and slightly sweet dimension to the Brazilian-inspired chicken dish.

Exotic Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken to Try Today

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with bold Brazilian-inspired spices that transform ordinary chicken into a zesty culinary adventure.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pan, making cooking and washing up a breeze.
• Customize Your Heat: Easily adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper, making this dish perfect for everyone from mild-flavor lovers to heat seekers.
• Global Flavor Journey: Transport your taste buds to Brazil with an authentic blend of tropical ingredients like coconut milk, lime, and vibrant bell peppers that create a rich, complex taste profile.

Ingredients for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that serves as the main protein for this spicy Brazilian dish.

• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic, Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that creates a complex and flavorful marinade.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Provide sweet and colorful base for the sauce.
• Tomatoes: Adds depth and natural sweetness to the dish.

• Ginger, Coriander, Nutmeg: Aromatic spices that elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a rich and creamy sauce base.
• Chicken Broth, Tomato Paste: Help to build depth and thickness in the sauce.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that brighten the final dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Step 1: Kickstart the Marinade

Toss chicken pieces with zesty ingredients to create a flavor explosion.

• Lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each chicken piece gets a perfect coating.

Seal the bowl and let the magic happen in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and watch them turn beautifully translucent.

Introduce sliced bell peppers – red and yellow for a vibrant touch – and let them soften to perfection.

Sprinkle in chopped tomatoes and let them dance in the pan for a few minutes.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

Slide the marinated chicken into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Awaken the senses with grated ginger, ground coriander, and a whisper of nutmeg.

Pour in creamy coconut milk, rich chicken broth, and a dollop of tomato paste.

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently.

Step 4: Finish and Feast

Let the chicken cook until it’s perfectly tender and the sauce reaches a luxurious consistency – about 15-20 minutes.

The kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Plate with Panache

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a burst of freshness.

Serve piping hot with tangy lime wedges on the side, inviting everyone to squeeze a little extra zing onto their plate.

Expert Tips for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Success

• Let chicken soak in spices for up to 2 hours to develop deeper, richer flavors that penetrate every bite.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to heat tolerance, adding more for fiery kick or less for milder taste.
• Stir coconut milk gently and consistently to maintain smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
• Select vibrant, firm bell peppers that add crisp texture and sweet undertones to the dish.
• Chop cilantro just before serving to preserve its bright, fresh aroma and maximize flavor impact.

Variations to Personalize Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Vegetarian Brazilian Coconut Jackfruit: Replace chicken with young green jackfruit, marinate using same spices, and cook until tender for a plant-based alternative that mimics chicken texture.
• Seafood Brazilian Coconut Curry: Swap chicken with firm white fish or shrimp, adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking, and maintain the rich coconut sauce base.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Brazilian Chicken: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reduce tomato paste, and increase spices for enhanced flavor profile while keeping carbohydrate content low.
• Gluten-Free Brazilian Coconut Chicken: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and verify chicken broth is gluten-free certified.

Serving Ideas for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Tropical Rice Haven: Serve this spicy Brazilian coconut chicken over fluffy white or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting base to the meal.
• Zesty Side Salad Companion: Pair the dish with a light, crisp salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy flavors and provide a fresh contrast to the warm chicken.
• Brazilian-Inspired Bread Basket: Offer warm, crusty Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) on the side to help diners mop up the flavorful coconut sauce and add an authentic touch to the dining experience.
• Cooling Yogurt Drizzle: Top the chicken with a quick yogurt sauce made with fresh herbs to provide a cool, creamy element that tempers the dish's spiciness and adds a refreshing layer of flavor.

Storage Advice for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Brazilian coconut chicken delivers a tantalizing blend of tropical flavors that dance across your palate. Spices from Brazil merge with creamy coconut, creating an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken pieces with lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, ensuring thorough coating.
2. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours to enhance flavor intensity.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat at approximately 350°F.
4. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Introduce sliced red and yellow bell peppers, cooking until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. Transfer marinated chicken to the skillet, browning each side for 5-7 minutes to develop a rich golden exterior.
8. Incorporate grated ginger, ground coriander, and ground nutmeg, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
9. Pour coconut milk, chicken broth, and tomato paste into the skillet, stirring to create a cohesive sauce.
10. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
12. Plate and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the spice blend’s intensity.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tenderness and richer taste compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level, making the dish mild or extra hot based on personal preference.
• For gluten-free option, ensure all spices and broths are certified gluten-free and replace tomato paste with pureed fresh tomatoes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg