Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and warm spices. This easy one-pan recipe delivers bold Brazilian-inspired flavors and comes together in under 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
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
Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Cooking
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, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 can (14 oz) unsweetened coconut milk
Garnish
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl combine cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture all over the chicken until evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add onion, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion softens.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet with any juices. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust cayenne and jalapeño to control the spice level.
Use full-fat unsweetened coconut milk for the creamiest sauce.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
The flavors become even richer the next day.
Serve with steamed rice, coconut rice, or warm flatbread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 622 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 868 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg