Description
A spicy and creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a flavorful coconut sauce, perfect over rice.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Alternatively, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
