Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of Brazil to your kitchen. This recipe melds tender chicken with rich coconut milk, vibrant spices, and fresh herbs, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce and bright flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite among many home cooks.
Why We Love This Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe
You’ll find that Brazilian Coconut Chicken is not just a meal but a culinary experience. The combination of coconut and spices gives it a unique tropical flair, making each bite a burst of flavor. It’s uncomplicated to prepare, and you can effortlessly adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you want to impress guests or whip up a cozy family dinner, this dish fits the bill perfectly. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making each meal a hearty indulgence.
Ingredients about Brazilian Coconut Chicken
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 14-ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk
- 1 14-ounce (400 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Steamed rice, for serving
How to Make Brazilian Coconut Chicken Directions
To embark on your culinary journey, start by gathering all the ingredients in your kitchen to create this tantalizing Brazilian Coconut Chicken. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped medium onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and releases a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.
Next, introduce 3 minced garlic cloves into the skillet, along with 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and paprika. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in the optional 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir these fragrant spices for about a minute, allowing them to mingle and bloom. It’s during this step that you’ll start to get a sense of the delightful flavors coming together.
Now, bring the star of the dish into play by adding the 1.5 lbs of cubed chicken breast. Cook the chicken for roughly 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to brown on all sides, which not only adds flavor but creates a beautiful golden hue to your dish. Once browned, season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Pour in a 14-ounce can of creamy coconut milk, and let it come to a gentle simmer. The coconut milk will infuse the chicken with a rich, tropical flavor. After that, add the drained 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of lime juice, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything cook together for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The chicken will thoroughly cook, becoming tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens beautifully. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, allowing those amazing flavors to develop.
Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro, giving it a refreshing lift. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, being sure to balance those delightful flavors. Serve the Brazilian Coconut Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with extra cilantro for that vibrant touch.
How to Serve Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Serving Brazilian Coconut Chicken is simple yet rewarding. Begin by placing a generous scoop of steamed rice in the center of your plate. Generously ladle the creamy coconut chicken over the rice, ensuring you include plenty of the flavorful sauce. The contrast of the coconut chicken with the fluffy rice is truly delightful.
To garnish, sprinkle additional freshly chopped cilantro on top. This not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also adds a fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors. You might even consider serving it with lime wedges on the side, allowing your guests to squeeze a touch of fresh lime over their portions for an extra zing.
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or some steamed vegetables. If you’re enjoying a meal outdoors, consider serving it with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce. You can make it a complete feast with tropical fruits for dessert!
Expert Tips: Brazilian Coconut Chicken
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and texture. If possible, use hormone-free or organic chicken.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, skip the cayenne pepper entirely. Alternatively, if you enjoy spiciness, consider adding more or including some chili flakes.
- Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor and texture. If you prefer a lighter option, light coconut milk can also work, though the creaminess may be slightly diminished.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the dish to enhance nutrition and add color.
- Fresh Herbs: The dish is significantly elevated with fresh cilantro, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can be used as alternatives.
- Serving Suggestions: Experiment with different sides such as quinoa or couscous, or add a touch of lime zest right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Brazilian Coconut Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! Storing Brazilian Coconut Chicken is straightforward. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, ensure you warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to retain moisture. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions. Just make sure to cover it to prevent the chicken from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Simply place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Brazilian Coconut Chicken can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions.
Variation of Brazilian Coconut Chicken
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to tweak recipes according to your taste and preferences. You might consider the following variations for your Brazilian Coconut Chicken:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based meal. Ensure the tofu is pressed to eliminate excess moisture for the best texture.
- Seafood Delight: For a coastal twist, use shrimp or fish instead of chicken. Cook the seafood for a shorter time, as it cooks quicker than chicken.
- Add Tropical Fruits: Diced pineapple or mango can add a delightful sweetness that offsets the spices and enhances the tropical feel.
- Different Proteins: Try using other proteins like turkey or beef. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein selected.
- Thicker Sauce: For a heartier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking, allowing it to thicken while simmering.
FAQs
What is Brazilian Coconut Chicken?
Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika. It’s often served over rice.
How do I make Brazilian Coconut Chicken less spicy?
You can reduce or skip the cayenne pepper in the recipe. Additionally, you can serve it with a lime wedge on the side to balance flavors.
Can I make Brazilian Coconut Chicken with thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe and can add additional juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I serve with Brazilian Coconut Chicken?
This dish is delicious served over steamed rice, but it also pairs well with quinoa, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Is Brazilian Coconut Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) for heat
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 14-ounce can coconut milk Use full-fat for richness
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped plus extra for garnish
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients in your kitchen.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Introduce the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet.
- Stir the spices for about a minute to allow them to bloom.
Cooking
- Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes and lime juice, stirring well.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- Serve the Brazilian Coconut Chicken hot over steamed rice.
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro.
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