Print

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 103 reviews

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with Brazilian spices, garlic, ginger, and fresh lime juice. Enhanced with sautéed onions, red bell pepper, and optional spinach, this meal offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and zesty flavors, making it an excellent choice for a comforting and exotic dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Brazilian spice blend (or a mix of paprika, cumin, and cayenne)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lime, juiced

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine coconut milk, olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, Brazilian spice blend, salt, and lime juice. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  2. Cook the Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the refrigerator and add them to the hot skillet with onions. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and develops a nice sear.
  4. Add Coconut Milk Mixture: Pour the remaining marinade and coconut milk mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  5. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper and optional spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine with the chicken and sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  6. Check the Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
  7. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is flavorful, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  8. Pair it Up: Serve the spicy Brazilian coconut chicken hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the rich coconut sauce.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
  • Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne in the spice blend.
  • Spinach is optional but adds a nice touch of color and nutrition.
  • Use fresh lime juice for best taste.
  • Serve with a side of rice or quinoa to complement the rich sauce.

Keywords: Spicy Brazilian Chicken, Coconut Chicken, Brazilian Coconut Curry, Coconut Milk Chicken, Spicy Chicken Recipe, Chicken with Brazilian Spices