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+ servings
recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing fresh chicken breasts or thighs coconut milk onion garlic ginger jalapeno tomatoes lemon juice cumin cayenne turmeric coriander cilantro parsley chicken broth arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Brazilian Coconut Chicken

This dish proves that simple ingredients like creamy coconut milk and lime can transform a standard chicken dinner into an extraordinary sensory experience, delivering mind-blowing flavor in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 can (14 oz) Full fat coconut milk for maximum creaminess
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 large Onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger grated
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper sliced thinly
  • 1 tsp Turmeric for that beautiful golden color
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 juice of Lime
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • fresh Cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet,

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden on all sides. You do not need to cook it all the way through yet just get some good color.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and grated ginger cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the turmeric and paprika over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices which releases their natural oils and deepens the flavor.
  4. Pour in the full fat coconut milk. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as that is where the flavor lives. Return the chicken and any juices back to the skillet.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Stir in the fresh lime juice. This acidity is crucial to balance the richness of the coconut. Taste and add more salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 35gFat: 30g

Notes

Pro Tips: Always use full fat canned coconut milk for a luxurious glaze. Don't burn the garlic by adding it after onions are soft. For heat, add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes. Vegetarian swap: Use chickpeas or cauliflower. Serve over rice or with a cucumber salad. Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat on stovetop with splash of water. Not recommended for freezing.
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