Name: Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish; Cooked rice (for serving)

A luxurious fusion of tender chicken simmered in a rich, spicy coconut sauce with aromatic spices that transport you straight to Brazil. This vibrant one-pot meal balances creaminess with heat for a dinner that’s both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. The creamy coconut milk balances perfectly with the warming spices, while the tender chicken absorbs all the delicious sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels special enough for entertaining, ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adjusted to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs provide the perfect foundation for this dish with their naturally tender texture and rich flavor. They absorb the marinade beautifully and remain juicy even after simmering in the sauce. You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
Garlic adds essential aromatic depth to both the marinade and sauce. Its pungent flavor mellows as it cooks, infusing the dish with a savory backbone.
Paprika and cayenne pepper bring varying levels of heat and color to the dish. The paprika offers a sweet, earthy quality while cayenne delivers the distinctive spicy kick. Adjust the cayenne according to your heat preference.
Onion and red bell pepper provide sweetness, texture, and color. They create an aromatic base for the sauce and contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
Cumin and coriander are warming spices that give this dish its distinctive character. Cumin adds an earthy, slightly smoky note, while coriander brings a citrusy, floral quality that brightens the rich sauce.
Smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness that adds complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Diced tomatoes contribute acidity and umami that balance the richness of the coconut milk. Their natural sugars also help thicken the sauce as it reduces.
Coconut milk is the star ingredient that creates the luscious, creamy texture of the sauce. It adds sweetness that counterbalances the spices and brings authentic Brazilian flavor to the dish.
Chicken broth enhances the savory elements while providing the perfect amount of liquid for the sauce. It helps marry all the flavors together.
Bay leaf imparts a subtle herbal note that adds complexity to the sauce as it simmers. Remember to remove it before serving.
Cilantro brightens the finished dish with its fresh, citrusy flavor and vibrant green color. If you’re not a cilantro fan, flat-leaf parsley makes a good substitute.

Directions

In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir to coat with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve hot over cooked rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Each serving contains approximately 420 calories. The total preparation and cooking time is just 40 minutes – 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken overnight to reduce day-of preparation.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative. Reduce the simmering time to about 15 minutes.
Extra Spicy: Double the cayenne pepper and add 1-2 minced jalapeños or a Thai chili when sautéing the onions and bell peppers.
Tropical Twist: Add 1 cup of diced pineapple or mango during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sweet-spicy flavor combination.
Herb Infusion: Mix in a handful of fresh basil leaves along with the cilantro for an aromatic variation.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle toasted cashews or peanuts on top for added crunch and protein.
One-Pot Meal: Add 1 cup of rinsed jasmine rice and an additional cup of chicken broth when adding the coconut milk. Simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken actually improves in flavor when stored, as the spices have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
The rice should be stored separately from the chicken dish for best results and reheated separately as well.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and reduce the simmering time by about 5 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry. Chicken breasts have less fat than thighs, so the dish may be slightly less rich in flavor.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

To reduce the spice level, eliminate the cayenne pepper entirely and reduce the amount of paprika by half. You can also use a mild paprika instead of the smoked variety. Adding more coconut milk or a dollop of plain yogurt when serving can also help tame the heat.

Is this recipe authentic Brazilian cuisine?

This recipe is inspired by Brazilian flavors, particularly the use of coconut milk which is common in coastal Brazilian cooking. However, it’s been adapted for home cooks and incorporates some fusion elements. Traditional Brazilian dishes might use different regional ingredients or cooking methods.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken as directed, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The sauce may be thinner when cooked this way, so you might want to remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce.

What can I serve with this besides rice?

This dish pairs wonderfully with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. For a complete Brazilian-inspired meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil, or traditional Brazilian black beans.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and improve over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your spices and chicken broth are from gluten-free sources. Always check packaged ingredients for potential cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Can I use light coconut milk instead of regular?

Yes, light coconut milk will work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. If using light coconut milk, you might want to reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly to maintain a thick sauce consistency.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer shows any pink in the center. In this recipe, after simmering for 20-25 minutes, the chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.

Can I add vegetables to make this a complete one-pot meal?

Absolutely! Consider adding diced zucchini, carrots, or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Spinach or kale can be stirred in right at the end until just wilted. This transforms the dish into a complete one-pot meal packed with additional nutrients.

Conclusion

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that come together with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken and creamy, spice-infused coconut sauce creates a meal that feels both exotic and homey at the same time. It’s versatile enough to customize based on your preferences and what you have available in your pantry.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its complex flavors and beautiful presentation. The one-pot preparation makes cleanup a breeze, and the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adjusting the spice level, trying different protein options, or incorporating seasonal vegetables. It’s a forgiving dish that welcomes experimentation and personal touches. Enjoy this delicious taste of Brazil from the comfort of your own kitchen!