Brazilian Coconut Chicken

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish with bold flavor and creamy texture, Brazilian Coconut Chicken needs to be on your table tonight. This vibrant dish blends tender chicken, coconut milk, peppers, garlic, lime, and a touch of spice in a silky sauce that feels both rich and fresh. The first time I tasted Brazilian Coconut Chicken was at a small family-run restaurant, and the flavors stuck with me for years. It was creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and full of color — everything I want in an easy weeknight dinner.

This recipe celebrates the heart of Brazilian home cooking: simple ingredients layered together to create something special without much fuss. The coconut milk gives the sauce a smooth, almost velvety texture, while the garlic, paprika, lime, and cilantro bring brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a busy weeknight but also dress up for guests. And the best part? It comes together in under an hour, and most of the magic happens in a single skillet.

If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on your usual chicken dinners, Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a must-try. The combination of creamy coconut milk and warm spices makes this dish comforting yet exciting — a perfect balance. Whether you’re new to Brazilian cooking or already love its bold flavors, this recipe is a keeper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4

---

What Makes This Brazilian Coconut Chicken Special?

Bold, layered flavors:
The mix of coconut milk, garlic, paprika, sautéed peppers, and lime creates a rich but balanced sauce that tastes like you spent hours on it — even though you didn’t.

One-pan simplicity:
This recipe is made in one skillet, making cleanup fast and easy. Perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without a pile of dishes.

Creamy but not heavy:
Coconut milk gives the dish its signature silky texture without making it overly rich. It’s comforting but still feels light enough for any season.

Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable:
You can make this dairy-free, low-carb, or spicier with simple swaps. It’s flexible and forgiving.

Restaurant-quality flavor with home-cook ease:
You don’t need special skills. A few simple techniques — like browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics — build incredible depth.

---

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken thighs:
Thighs stay juicy and tender, but you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Just reduce cooking time slightly.

• Coconut milk:
Full-fat coconut milk gives the best texture. Light coconut milk works, but the sauce will be thinner.

• Bell peppers:
Add sweetness and color. Use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a vibrant dish.

• Garlic and onion:
These create the flavor base. Fresh garlic is ideal, but jarred garlic works in a pinch.

• Paprika:
Smoked paprika adds depth. Regular paprika also works if you want a milder flavor.

• Cayenne or chili flakes:
Optional for heat. Use more if you like a spicy sauce.

• Lime juice:
Adds freshness that brightens the entire dish. Lemon can be used if needed.

• Fresh cilantro or parsley:
Cilantro is traditional, but parsley works if you’re not a cilantro fan.

• Chicken broth:
Helps thin the sauce and adds savory flavor. Vegetable broth also works.

• Olive oil or coconut oil:
Either one pairs well with the ingredients.

---

How To Make Brazilian Coconut Chicken

1. Season and brown the chicken

Warm 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika. Brown the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes. You’re not cooking it through — just getting color.
Tip: Browning adds flavor, so don’t rush this step.

2. Sauté the aromatics

Remove the chicken and set it aside. Add onion and sliced peppers to the same pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and the rest of the paprika. Stir for 30 seconds.
Tip: If the pan starts to dry out, add a splash of broth.

3. Build the sauce

Pour in the coconut milk and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add cayenne if you want heat.
Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a thicker, silky sauce.

4. Add the chicken back in

Nestle the browned chicken into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
What to look for: the sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.

5. Finish with lime and herbs

Turn off the heat. Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Tip: Lime is essential — don’t skip it. It brings everything together.

---

Storage Options

• Room temperature:
Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens in the fridge but loosens when reheated.

• Freezing:
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken:
Add jalapeño, serrano, or extra cayenne.

• Low-carb version:
Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

• Vegetarian option:
Swap chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms.

• Add veggies:
Spinach, zucchini, or carrots all work well.

• Creamier sauce:
Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or cashew butter.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Just reduce simmering time by 5 minutes so they don’t dry out.

Why is my sauce too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Full-fat coconut milk gives a thicker result.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. The flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stove.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan and extend simmer time by a few minutes.

What should I serve it with?
Rice, couscous, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make it dairy-free?
The recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk.

---

Conclusion

Brazilian Coconut Chicken is one of those dishes that feels comforting yet exciting every time you make it. The sauce is creamy, warm, and full of bright flavor, and the entire recipe comes together easily in one pan. It’s the perfect mix of everyday ingredients and bold flavors that feel special. I hope you give this recipe a try, customize it to your taste, and enjoy every bite. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out — share your results and let me know your favorite twist!

Print