Description
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of heat. Perfectly balanced and hearty, it’s ideal when served over rice and garnished with fresh cilantro for a delicious taste of Brazilian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Vegetable oil for sautéing
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and additional paprika if desired. Cook the mixture for about one minute, stirring constantly to release the fragrant aromas of the spices.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve the spicy Brazilian coconut chicken over cooked rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped chili peppers.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness but boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used as a leaner option.
- Serve with white or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
