Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant, aromatic dish that brings the warmth of Brazilian cuisine to your table. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a rich coconut milk sauce, infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, delivering a delightful balance of creamy and spicy flavors. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: chop onions, mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice red chilies.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and ginger; cook for another minute.
- Add chicken thighs to the skillet; brown on both sides (approximately 4-5 minutes per side).
- Pour in coconut milk and sliced red chilies; stir gently and let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Just before serving, squeeze lime juice into the pan and stir well.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.