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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe – Easy Summer Dinner Magic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken recipe delivers a vibrant and creamy dish, perfect for an easy summer dinner. Tender chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with smoky paprika, fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of lime creates a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toasted coconut flakes, it pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)

Cooking Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar

Garnish & Serving

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • Optional: fresh chili or jalapeño, sliced (for garnish)
  • Optional: toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
  • Optional: cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry using paper towels, then slice into large, bite-sized pieces. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the spices.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
  4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring constantly, and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
  6. Build the Sauce: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
  7. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cook Until Tender: Let the chicken simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  9. Finish and Season: Stir in the lime juice and brown sugar. Adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes to taste.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish, and gently toss to coat the chicken. Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced fresh chili or jalapeño, and toasted coconut flakes if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the chili flakes according to your preferred spice level; omit for a milder dish.
  • For a richer sauce, use full-fat coconut milk; light versions may result in a thinner consistency.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
  • Serve with your choice of grains or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice to suit dietary preferences.

Keywords: Spicy Brazilian Chicken, Coconut Chicken, Brazilian Dinner, Coconut Milk Chicken, Easy Summer Dinner, Spicy Chicken Recipes

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/spicy-brazilian-coconut-chicken-recipe-easy-summer-dinner-magic-recipe/