Brazilian Coconut Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce with spices and lime
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 green chili (optional), finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
07 - 1 lime, zest and juice
→ Liquids & Dairy Alternatives
08 - 13.5 oz (1 can) coconut milk
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How-To:
01 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic, chili (if using), cumin, paprika, and coriander; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in the coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
05 - Stir in the lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro, alongside steamed rice or cassava.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in one pan and tastes like something you would order at a Brazilian restaurant
- It is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free but still feels incredibly indulgent
02 -
- Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes with half the spices and lime juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands, so remove it from heat while it still looks slightly thinner than you want
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before searing to get that beautiful golden crust
- Use full-fat coconut milk, light version never quite achieves that luxurious consistency