Description
Juicy, golden-seared chicken simmered in a rich coconut sauce infused with garlic, lime, and fresh herbs, this Best Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a bold and comforting easy dinner packed with tropical flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, dinner ideas, and flavorful food ideas, this creamy coconut chicken pairs beautifully with rice and makes a satisfying gluten-free meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 small onion finely chopped
13.5 ounces full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, then stir in fresh lime juice and red chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro and garnish with the remaining cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce texture.
Do not boil the sauce rapidly to prevent separation.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Brazilian coconut chicken, easy dinner, coconut chicken recipe, gluten-free dinner, tropical chicken, weeknight dinner ideas