Description
A flavorful Brazilian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spicy coconut and tomato sauce, seasoned with cumin, coriander, and paprika. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 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 (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 120ml chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavors.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Stir to combine.
- Add the seared chicken back to the pan along with chicken broth and bay leaf. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Marinating chicken longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free.
- Flavors improve when made a day ahead.
- Freezes well for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Fat: 28.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
- Protein: 32.6 g
Keywords: Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken, Brazilian coconut chicken recipe, Moqueca chicken recipe, Bahian coconut chicken, Easy Brazilian chicken stew, Authentic Brazilian chicken curry, Chicken with coconut milk Brazil, Brazilian comfort food chicken, Hot Brazilian chicken dish, Spicy coconut chicken Brazil, Chili infused coconut chicken, Brazilian chicken with a kick, Flavorful coconut chicken recipe, How to make Brazilian coconut chicken, Easy spicy chicken coconut milk, Brazilian chicken and coconut recipe, Coconut milk chicken Brazilian style, Brazilian chicken stew with coconut, Quick spicy Brazilian chicken dinner