If your taste buds are yearning for an adventure, look no further than this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken. This dish is a delightful dance of flavors with the rich, creamy goodness of coconut milk and a tantalizing kick from cayenne pepper and jalapeño, promising a tantalizing culinary escapade right from your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Exotic Flavors: An intoxicating blend of spices makes every bite a Brazilian carnival in your mouth.
- Creamy Delight: The coconut milk creates a rich, velvety sauce that lovingly envelopes the chicken.
- Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour, this dish is as simple to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients bring together color and vitality. Each spice, from cumin to turmeric, lends its own charm, while the coconut milk and fresh ginger offer a luscious flavor kick that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor that grounds the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy punch to excite your palate.
- Turmeric: Offers a beautiful golden hue and subtle bitterness.
- Coriander: Provides a nutty, citrusy flavor that balances the heat.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a gentle depth of flavor.
- Onion and Jalapeño: Create a zesty base for the sauce.
- Coconut Milk: Delivers a creamy contrast to the spices.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a fragrant zing that lifts the dish.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Cuts through the richness with a tangy twist.
Variations
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken can be tailored to your palette’s whims and dietary needs. Swap, adjust, or add ingredients with ease to create the perfect meal just for you.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option.
- Milder Heat: Skip the jalapeño or reduce cayenne for a less spicy dish that everyone can enjoy.
- Sweeter Taste: Add a hint of honey or sugar to introduce a sweeter balance to the spicy flavors.
How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a spacious bowl, blend the cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this fragrant spice mix, ensuring every piece is generously covered.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Set aside under foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the onion, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add tomatoes and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes soften.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, around 5 minutes. Return the chicken, along with any accumulated juices, to the skillet. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
- Spice Application: To evenly coat the chicken, make sure the spices are perfectly mixed and use your hands for the best coverage.
- Oil Choice: Using coconut oil adds an extra layer of authentic flavor, enhancing the coconut milk’s creaminess.
- Simmer Time: Be patient during the simmering; the longer the sauce mingles with chicken, the more harmonious the flavors become.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and tomatoes provides a burst of vibrant flavors that dried or canned versions can’t match.
How to Serve Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Garnishes
Top your Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds not only a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or naan bread, which helps to soak up every bit of the delicious coconut sauce. A side of roasted vegetables can also complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve the chicken in a shallow bowl, allowing some of the vibrant sauce to pool around for visual allure. Spruce it up with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for added color and a sweet crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more scrumptious the next day!
Freezing
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough.
FAQs
-
Can I make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the chicken as instructed, then add everything to the slow cooker, cooking on low for 3 to 4 hours.
-
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
You can replace coconut milk with heavy cream or almond milk, but it may alter the original taste and texture slightly.
-
Is this dish very spicy?
The dish has a pleasant kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper and jalapeño.
-
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the spice mix and marinate the chicken a day in advance, storing it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken recipe is your passport to a flavor-packed journey. With its rich, aromatic elements, it’s a dish that comforts and tempts with every bite. Try it today, and let your kitchen be filled with the vibrant aromas of Brazilian cuisine!
Print
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, spicy coconut sauce infused with traditional Brazilian spices, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal with a hint of heat, this recipe balances bold flavors with the creaminess of coconut milk, making it a delightful choice for a dinner that impresses while being easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Spice Mixture
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
Chicken and Cooking Oil
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
Sautéed Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 medium tomatoes chopped small
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 14 ounce unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped or cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and rub the spice mixture all over, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Once hot, sauté the onion, jalapeno, ginger, and garlic until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Lemon Juice: Mix in the chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Make Coconut Sauce: Stir in the coconut milk and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot with rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For an extra kick, increase the cayenne pepper amount or add sliced chili peppers.
- Adjust the salt and pepper levels to taste depending on your preference.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or coconut rice to complement the flavors.
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant garnish and flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
