Name: Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust based on heat preference); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime

Jump to Recipe

Imagine tender chicken thighs soaking up the luxurious creaminess of coconut milk, vibrant spices, and a hint of chili heat, all to create an unbelievably delicious meal that’s both easy and impressive. That’s what you get with Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! This dish brings together the bold colors and lively tastes of Brazilian cooking, delivering a spicy, aromatic chicken dinner that’s guaranteed to wow your taste buds and win over guests. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or a showstopper for your next dinner party, this recipe delivers in every possible way!

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the many joys of this recipe is how the simple, accessible ingredients effortlessly build layers of flavor. Each one has a special role to play in creating the mouthwatering Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!

Chicken thighs (2 lbs, boneless & skinless): The ideal cut for juicy, tender results that soak up all the fabulous sauce.
Coconut milk (1 can, 14 oz): Lends a creamy richness and subtle sweetness, perfectly balancing the heat.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade stick and adds a lovely richness.
Chopped onion (1 medium): Delivers savory depth and a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic punch—don’t skimp!
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Adds brightness and a hint of fire to cut through the coconut milk.
Chili paste (1-2 tablespoons): Customizable for your spice tolerance; gives the signature heat.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances the color and deepens the savory spice profile.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all the flavors evenly.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds sharpness and subtle heat.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): The perfect finishing touch for freshness and color.
Lime (juice of 1): Adds zesty brightness to wake up the whole dish before serving.

How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the chicken thighs with coconut milk, olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, chili paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Give it a thorough mix so every piece of chicken is lavishly coated with the flavors. For best results, cover and chill this golden mixture in the fridge for at least an hour—or overnight if you want the flavors to be even bolder. The marinade is what makes Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! so unbelievably succulent.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Before you begin cooking, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for gently roasting the chicken so it stays tender and juicy without drying out.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Retrieve your marinated chicken and all that irresistible marinade and transfer it to a large baking dish. Lay the chicken thighs out in a single layer, making sure each one has plenty of that spiced coconut sauce on top. This helps the chicken bake evenly and lets the sauce thicken as it cooks.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The kitchen will start filling with the intoxicating aroma of creamy coconut, chili, and garlic—it’s absolutely mouthwatering. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the edges of the marinade are bubbling.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes; this allows the juices to reabsorb and the flavors to settle. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and shower it with chopped cilantro. This final touch takes your Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can get creative and make every plate feel special. A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color and a fragrant pop, while extra lime wedges give each guest a chance to amp up the zing to their liking. If you like an added crunch, try a handful of toasted coconut flakes or thinly sliced red chili peppers for an extra dose of color and heat.

Side Dishes

The velvety sauce begs to be soaked up, so serve this chicken with fluffy steamed rice or nutty quinoa. A side of garlicky sautéed greens or a simple salad with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes makes a lovely contrast to the richness of Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! Warm flatbreads or even sweet plantains would also work beautifully for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your friends or family, spoon the chicken and sauce into a wide, shallow serving bowl, topped with cilantro and lime slices for a vibrant table centerpiece. For a more festive feel, serve in mini cast-iron pans or arrange the chicken on individual plates over a colorful bed of rice pilaf, drizzled with plenty of sauce and a fresh herb sprinkle. Presentation counts—especially with a dish as beautiful as Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Simply let the dish cool, then transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier!

Freezing

Want to enjoy Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! another week? Let the chicken cool completely, transfer it with the sauce to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The coconut milk sauce stays creamy and delicious!

Reheating

To reheat, warm it gently in a covered pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce seems a little thick after chilling, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up. You can also microwave single portions, but use a lower power and cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though they may be a bit leaner and slightly less juicy. Just keep a close eye on the baking time and don’t overcook to ensure tender results.

How spicy is Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!?

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tailor the heat to your liking. Use one tablespoon of chili paste for a gentle warmth, or two (or more!) for a bolder punch. You’re in total control.

Which chili paste do you recommend?

Any favorite chili paste will work—whether it’s sambal oelek, harissa, sriracha, or a Brazilian-style pimenta. Each will bring its own unique flavor, so experiment with what you love!

Can I make this dish dairy free and gluten free?

It already is naturally dairy free and gluten free! All the rich creaminess comes from coconut milk rather than dairy, and there are no wheat-based ingredients in the recipe, making it wonderfully inclusive.

What’s the best way to marinate Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! overnight?

Pop everything in a glass or ceramic dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The longer marination—up to 24 hours—means more vibrant, aromatic chicken and even deeper flavor from the spices and aromatics.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish with big, bold flavors and a breezy, easy prep, Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! is truly a must-try. Invite Brazil’s warmth and vibrant spirit into your kitchen—your family, your friends, and especially your taste buds will thank you. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight! Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with creamy coconut milk and a mix of aromatic spices to create a flavorful meal with a hint of heat. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, coconut milk, olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, chili paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Squeeze lime juice over the chicken, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Brazilian