There’s something truly magical about Brazilian cooking. The vibrant spices, the comforting textures, and the bold flavors have a way of wrapping you up in a big, warm hug. One dish that perfectly captures that spirit is Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken.

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I still remember the first time I tasted this dish — it was during a family gathering when my cousin, who had just come back from a trip to Brazil, decided to recreate the flavors he had fallen in love with. As the coconut milk simmered and the spices bloomed in the kitchen, it felt like we were all transported to a sun-drenched Brazilian street market. Every bite was a burst of warmth and depth, with just the right amount of kick to keep you coming back for more.

In Brazil, coconut milk is often used to soften and enrich spicy dishes, balancing heat with a creamy, mellow sweetness. Meals like this are often served during festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, perfect for sharing and savoring slowly. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly comforting — a little spicy, a little sweet, and absolutely unforgettable.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a little extra sunshine in your day, this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich, bold flavors with a perfect balance of spice and creaminess
Easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
Comfort food that feels both exotic and familiar
The creamy coconut sauce is simply irresistible over rice or with warm bread

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE SPICY BRAZILIAN COCONUT CHICKEN:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped onion. Stir often, letting it soften and turn golden — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, letting their aromas bloom in the pan for another 2 minutes.

Step 2: Toast the spices
Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, paprika, and red pepper flakes over the sautéed veggies. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds — just enough to wake up the spices without burning them. The kitchen should already smell incredible at this point!

Step 3: Brown the chicken
Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sear for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. You’re not aiming to cook them through yet — just to build a nice layer of flavor.

Step 4: Simmer in coconut milk
Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the tomato paste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to thicken, and the chicken will become tender and soak up all those luscious flavors. This takes about 15–20 minutes, so be patient — it’s worth it.

Step 5: Add the final touches
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stir in the lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro. These bright flavors lift the whole dish and give it a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Spoon the chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of fluffy rice, or scoop it up with warm, crusty bread. Sprinkle a little extra cilantro if you like things bright and fresh.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Control the heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Use fresh lime juice: It makes a noticeable difference and brightens up the rich sauce beautifully.
Chicken options: If you prefer, chicken breast works too, but thighs stay extra juicy and tender in the sauce.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together even more.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Brazilian
Diet: Gluten-Free

NOTES:

For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for an hour in lime juice and a little cumin before cooking.
Garnish with extra lime wedges for an added zesty touch at the table.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per Serving – Estimated)

Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 320mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use light coconut milk instead of regular?
Yes, but the sauce will be a little thinner and less rich. For maximum creaminess, stick with full-fat coconut milk.

Is this dish very spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can easily tone it down or amp it up depending on your taste by adjusting the red pepper flakes.

What can I serve this with?
Rice is the classic choice, but quinoa, couscous, or even mashed sweet potatoes would be wonderful. A fresh green salad also pairs beautifully.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens too much.

This dish also freezes well — just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Conclusion

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is one of those magical dishes that instantly transports you — warm, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a way to spice up your weeknight dinners or want to impress friends at your next gathering, this recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, sharing stories and laughter between delicious bites. Give it a try — you might just find it becoming a new favorite in your kitchen too.