Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut sauce with warm spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of heat—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 14 oz unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cumin, cayenne, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes and lemon juice. Season lightly and cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Add coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer on low for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust spice level by reducing cayenne or omitting jalapeño seeds.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Sauce thickens more as it cools—don’t overcook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg