Brazilian Coconut Chicken
This easy Brazilian Coconut Chicken brings vibrant, sunny flavors to your weeknight! Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce with lime, cilantro, and warm spices, all made in one pan in 30 minutes.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 500kcal
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 lime, juiced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the coconut milk and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
Pro Tips: For the most flavorful base, sauté the onions until very soft and toast the cumin and paprika in the oil for a full minute before adding the chicken. To ensure a creamy, non-grainy sauce, use full-fat coconut milk and stir it in gently after browning the chicken. For maximum freshness, add the lime juice and chopped cilantro off the heat just before serving. If you want to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, sauté the peppers with the onions or stir in the spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This dish reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.