Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe
Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a rich coconut milk and tomato sauce with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. This one-pan skillet meal is easy to prepare and perfect served over steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to blend the flavors.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and lime juice.
- Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Finish with cilantro: Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Brazilian Coconut Chicken hot over steamed rice, garnished with extra fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during the cooking process.
- Optionally substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your desired heat level or omit it for a milder taste.
Keywords: Brazilian coconut chicken, creamy chicken recipe, coconut milk chicken, easy Brazilian chicken, stovetop chicken dish
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/brazilian-coconut-chicken-recipe/
