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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant one-pan dish with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce spiced with chili, cumin, and lime. Balanced with sweet bell peppers and bold aromatics, this comforting, flavor-packed recipe brings bold global flair to your dinner table in under an hour.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot, Simmered
  • Cuisine: Brazilian-Inspired, Latin American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
  2. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, peppers, and chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Let it simmer 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice.

Notes

  • Reduce chili powder for a milder version.
  • Add fresh chili or red pepper flakes for more heat.
  • Add veggies like green beans, spinach, or baby corn.
  • Use chicken breast for a leaner version.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/spicy-brazilian-coconut-chicken/