Easy Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Name: Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon cumin (ground adds warmth and earthiness); 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon turmeric (ground adds color and flavor); 1 teaspoon coriander (ground adds citrusy undertones); ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory flavor); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (fresh or thawed); 3 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil for cooking); 1 medium onion (chopped adds sweetness); 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped adds heat); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (chopped for a fragrant kick); 3 cloves garlic (minced for depth of flavor); 3 medium tomatoes (chopped adds freshness and acidity); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for tang); 14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk (for creaminess); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped or cilantro for garnish)

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken brings together tender chicken breasts coated in warm spices, then simmered in a silky coconut sauce with ginger, garlic, and just the right kick of heat. I first tried something like this at a little Brazilian café tucked away in my neighborhood, and I've been tweaking my own version ever since. The creamy coconut milk balances the cayenne beautifully, and honestly, it's way easier to make than it looks.

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken in creamy coconut sauce with tomatoes, garnished with fresh cilantro, served with rice.

If you're craving something comforting yet exciting for dinner, this hits the spot every time and pairs beautifully with dishes like Palak Paneer Recipe - Restaurant-Style in 40 Minutes or even alongside Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad - 10 Simple Ingredients for a mix-and-match dinner spread.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Rich and creamy without being heavy. The coconut milk makes the sauce luxurious, but it doesn't sit like a brick in your stomach. It's satisfying in all the right ways.

Balanced heat. The cayenne gives you a gentle warmth that builds with each bite, but it's not going to make you reach for a glass of milk. You can always dial it up or down depending on who's at your table.

Weeknight-friendly. This comes together in under an hour, which means it works for busy evenings when you still want something that feels special.

Flexible and forgiving. You can swap the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken breasts for thighs, use lime instead of lemon, or toss in extra veggies you have sitting in the fridge. It's a recipe that bends with you.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Ingredients
How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Substitutions and Swaps
Equipment For Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Storage and Reheating Tips
Expert Tips
What Makes This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Special
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Ingredients

Here's everything you need to bring this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken, broken down by category so you can gather things quickly.

See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites

Spices & Seasonings

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy base that anchors all the other spices.
Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat. Start with this amount and adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Ground turmeric: Gives the dish a golden color and a subtle, slightly bitter depth.
Ground coriander: Adds a light, citrusy note that balances the heavier spices.
Garlic powder: Reinforces the fresh garlic and adds another layer of savory flavor.
Salt: Enhances everything and brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Taste and adjust as you go.
Pepper: A little black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.

For the Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Olive oil or coconut oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. Coconut oil adds an extra hint of tropical flavor.

Vegetables & Aromatics

Onion: Chopped medium onion adds sweetness and body to the sauce as it softens.
Jalapeño pepper: Seeded and chopped for a fresh, bright heat. Leave some seeds in if you like it spicier.
Fresh ginger: Chopped ginger gives the dish a zesty, slightly spicy kick that's unmistakably fresh.
Garlic: Minced cloves add pungent, aromatic depth. Fresh garlic makes all the difference here.
Tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes break down into the sauce, adding acidity and a touch of natural sweetness.

Liquid & Garnishes

Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.
Unsweetened coconut milk: The creamy base of the sauce. Make sure it's unsweetened so the flavors stay savory.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish right before serving.

How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken moves quickly once you start, so have everything prepped and ready to go.

Season the chicken: In a large bowl, mix together the cumin, cayenne, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and rub the spice blend all over them until every piece is well coated.

Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. You want a nice golden crust on both sides and the chicken cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. You want a nice golden crust on both sides and the chicken cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

Cook the aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped onion, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic. Stir everything around and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent and your kitchen starts smelling incredible.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped onion, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic. Stir everything around and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent and your kitchen starts smelling incredible.

Build the sauce base: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start breaking down and releasing their juices.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start breaking down and releasing their juices.

Add the coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and give everything a good stir. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You'll notice it thickening slightly and the color deepening.

Pour in the coconut milk and give everything a good stir. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You'll notice it thickening slightly and the color deepening.

Finish with the chicken: Slide the chicken breasts back into the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate. Lower the heat and let everything cook together for another 5 minutes. This is when the chicken soaks up all those beautiful flavors.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the fresh parsley or cilantro over the top right before you serve. It adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Substitutions and Swaps

Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Dark meat stays juicier and has more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer.

Lime juice instead of lemon: Both work beautifully. Lime gives it a slightly more tropical vibe.

Greek yogurt for a tangy twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt at the end for extra creaminess and a hint of tang.

Skip the jalapeño: If you're sensitive to spice, leave it out or use a milder pepper like a poblano.

Add vegetables: Throw in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the sauce-building step for extra nutrition and color.

Equipment For Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Mixing bowls (3-piece set): One for the spice rub, one for prepping ingredients, and one for serving.
12-inch cast iron skillet: This gives you plenty of room to brown the chicken without crowding, and it holds heat beautifully for simmering the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so day-two Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is even better.

Freezer: This freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Expert Tips

Don't skip browning the chicken. That golden crust adds so much flavor to the final dish. Even though the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken finishes cooking in the sauce, that initial sear is important.

Use full-fat coconut milk. Light coconut milk just doesn't have the same richness. The full-fat version creates that silky, luxurious sauce you're looking for.

Taste as you go. Every jalapeño has a different heat level, and every palate is different. Adjust the salt, spice, and acidity to match what tastes good to you.

Let it simmer low and slow at the end. Once the chicken goes back in, keep the heat low. This gives everything time to meld together without drying out the chicken.

Fresh herbs make a difference. That final sprinkle of parsley or cilantro isn't just for looks. It adds a burst of freshness that really completes the dish.

What Makes This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Special

Brazilian cuisine has this incredible way of layering flavors without making things complicated. This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken dish takes everyday ingredients like cumin, turmeric, and coriander, then builds them into something that smells like you've been cooking all day. The coconut milk adds a velvety richness that cools down the spice just enough, while the fresh ginger and garlic keep everything bright and aromatic. It's the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask what's for dinner before you even finish cooking.

FAQ

What to serve with Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple side salad or roasted veggies rounds out the meal nicely. You could also pair it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

What is Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken?

It's a flavorful dish where chicken is coated in warm spices, then simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and a touch of heat. It combines savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors in one comforting dish.

What is the spice mix for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken?

The spice mix typically includes cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These spices create a warm, earthy base with a gentle kick of heat.

How do you cook Brazilian coconut curry in a slow cooker with coconut milk?

Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices, then cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken will be incredibly tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.

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