Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs with rich coconut milk, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet tropical flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup coconut milk (preferably full-fat)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather chicken thighs and trim any excess fat. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Having all ingredients ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned to build a savory base.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and ground cumin. Brown both sides until golden, locking in juicy flavor and enhancing texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk: Pour in the diced tomatoes followed by the coconut milk. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the creamy mixture.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken slightly and absorb into the chicken.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors and add a fresh Brazilian flair.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken thighs adds extra flavor and tenderness.
- Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest results.
- Take time to brown the chicken well to develop a deep golden crust.
- Simmer gently on low heat to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.
- Add cilantro at the end to preserve its vibrant color and fresh taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Brazilian coconut chicken, coconut milk chicken, easy chicken recipe, tropical chicken dish, creamy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken