Sizzling Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe for Bold Souls

Brazilian kitchens buzz with coconut chicken that sparks serious culinary excitement.

Friends often request this delectable meal during weekend gatherings.

Regional spices dance through tender meat, creating complex flavor profiles.

Subtle heat weaves between creamy coconut notes, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Peppers and tropical ingredients collaborate in a symphony of taste sensations.

Each bite tells a story of Brazilian coastal traditions.

Cooking this dish connects you directly to vibrant Brazilian culinary culture.

Let’s unlock these mouthwatering flavors together and transform your dinner into an adventure.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken With Creamy Heat

• Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner: Transforms basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Spice-Lover's Dream: Delivers bold, complex flavors through layers of paprika, cayenne, cumin, and smoked paprika that create an exciting taste experience.
• Global Cuisine Adventure: Brings authentic Brazilian-inspired cooking directly to your kitchen, offering a delicious international meal without traveling.
• Hassle-Free Cooking Method: Requires only one pan, simple marinating technique, and straightforward simmering process that makes cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.

Items That Flavor Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat with rich texture, perfect for absorbing spices and marinades; boneless and skinless cuts cook quickly and evenly.

• Garlic: Provides deep, pungent flavor base that enhances overall dish complexity; fresh cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced varieties.
• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper flavor and rich red color; choose high-quality Hungarian or Spanish paprika for best results.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers robust heat and spiciness; adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying other flavors; freshly ground black pepper provides more vibrant taste compared to pre-ground versions.

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Spicy Instructions

Step 1: Spice Up The Chicken

Blend chicken thighs with a vibrant mix of aromatic seasonings.

Massage garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the meat.

Let the flavors dance and mingle for 20 refreshing minutes.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium warmth.

Toss in chopped onions and ruby-red bell peppers.

Sauté until they soften and release their sweet essence.

Sprinkle cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 3: Create A Luscious Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Creamy coconut milk
• Rich chicken broth
• Bay leaf

Allow the mixture to gently simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Transform Chicken Into Magic

Slide the marinated chicken into the simmering sauce.

Cook until the chicken becomes perfectly tender and the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick embrace.

Step 5: Elevate And Serve

Pluck out the bay leaf.

Fine-tune seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Shower with fresh cilantro leaves.

Present this Brazilian masterpiece with pride and passion.

Tips for Coconut Chicken

• Let chicken absorb spices for at least 20 minutes to enhance deep, rich flavors and ensure tender meat.
• Adjust cayenne and paprika levels to match your heat tolerance without overwhelming the delicate coconut undertones.
• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for more moisture and richer taste compared to leaner chicken breasts.
• Simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken sauce, creating a more concentrated and robust flavor profile.
• Chop cilantro right before serving to maintain its bright, fresh aroma and add vibrant color to the dish.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stays Flavorful After Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and preserve the sauce's creamy consistency.

What’s Best with Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

• Pair with Vibrant Caipirinha: Create a classic Brazilian cocktail using cachaça, lime, and sugar to complement the dish's spicy and tropical flavors. The cocktail's citrusy notes will cut through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Serve with Coconut Rice: Prepare white rice cooked in coconut milk and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes. This side dish echoes the coconut in the chicken sauce and provides a smooth, neutral base for the spicy protein.
• Match with Crisp Brazilian Salad: Toss together mixed greens, hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, and a light lime vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad will balance the heavy, spiced chicken and provide a bright counterpoint to the rich sauce.
• Select Chilled Brazilian Beer: Choose a light lager like Brahma or Skol. The crisp, cold beer will refresh the palate and help cut through the dish's intense spices and creamy coconut elements.

BBQ Brisket Sandwich Options

• Vegetarian Coconut Curry: Replace chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, keeping the same spicy coconut sauce and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Brazilian Delight: Use gluten-free chicken, swap vegetable oil with olive oil, and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Substitute bell peppers with zucchini, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, and increase protein portion.
• Vegan Brazilian Stew: Use plant-based protein like tempeh, coconut cream instead of milk, and vegetable broth for a complete vegan transformation.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this Brazilian chicken dish?

The key spices are paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, which create a complex and vibrant flavor profile typical of Brazilian cuisine.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

Yes, the recipe has a moderate to high heat level due to cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these spices according to your preference.

• Why is coconut milk used in this recipe?

Coconut milk adds a creamy, rich texture and subtle sweetness that balances the spicy elements, creating a harmonious and authentic Brazilian flavor combination.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for better flavor and tenderness, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy Brazilian coconut chicken brings tropical flavors dancing across your plate with bold Brazilian spirit. Tender chicken bathes in creamy coconut sauce, promising a culinary adventure you’ll savor from first delicious bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, allowing the flavors to penetrate for approximately 20 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions and crimson bell peppers until they become translucent and softened.
3. Enhance the aromatic base by sprinkling ground cumin, coriander, and smoky paprika into the vegetable mixture, stirring to release their intense fragrance.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, rich chicken broth, and a single bay leaf, bringing the liquid to a gentle, rolling simmer.
5. Carefully nestle the marinated chicken thighs into the fragrant sauce, allowing them to cook slowly and absorb the complex flavor profile.
6. Maintain a consistent simmer, periodically turning the chicken, until it reaches perfect doneness and the sauce transforms into a luxuriously thick consistency.
7. Extract the bay leaf, fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, and crown the dish with a sprinkle of vibrant, chopped cilantro leaves before serving.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to match personal heat tolerance.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth if following a gluten-sensitive diet to ensure recipe compatibility.
• Select full-fat coconut milk for richer, more luxurious sauce texture and deeper flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg