Description
This Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting one-pan dinner made with coconut milk, tender chicken, and warm spices. Inspired by authentic Brazil recipes, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy enough for busy weeknights while elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sear chicken until golden, 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, cook onion until soft. Add garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Sauté 5 minutes.
- Spice it Up: Stir in cumin, paprika, cayenne, and tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Simmer with Coconut Milk: Return chicken to pan. Add coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving. Serve with rice, farofa, or bread.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Don’t boil coconut milk too hard—simmer gently to prevent splitting.
- Lime juice at the end balances the richness.
- This dish reheats beautifully, and flavors deepen overnight.
- Turn it into a casserole by topping with breadcrumbs or cheese and baking until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Brazilian, South American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: Brazilian Coconut Chicken, Brazilian Curry, Coconut Milk Chicken, Creamy Chicken Dinner, Brazil Recipes Authentic, Brazilian Casserole, Easy South America Recipes