Description
This spicy Brazilian coconut chicken is a rich and creamy dish packed with bold flavors from coconut milk, garlic, red bell peppers, and warm spices like paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Perfect for a comforting and vibrant dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Liquids and Garnish
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Brown the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until it is lightly browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and coconut milk: Stir in the diced tomatoes and pour in the coconut milk, mixing everything to combine evenly.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve the flavorful chicken and sauce over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
- For added freshness, serve with lime wedges on the side.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or can be served over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
