Description
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with warm spices, fresh ginger, and jalapenos. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat and rich Caribbean-inspired flavors, it’s a hearty yet smooth dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
Sautéed Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk
Garnish & Final Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a large bowl, combine cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the spice mixture and rub thoroughly to coat all sides with the spices.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion, jalapeno, ginger, and garlic. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Lemon: Stir in chopped tomatoes and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot, ideally with rice or your favorite side.
Notes
- Adjust heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper and jalapeno according to your spice tolerance.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of additional coconut milk or coconut cream when simmering.
- Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a side of greens for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 622 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 868mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 145mg