Discover the Best Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe: A Tropical Escape for Your Palate
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched coasts of Brazil with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer. If you’re searching for the best Brazilian coconut chicken recipe that effortlessly combines vibrant, tropical notes with creamy richness, your search ends here. This dish transforms tender chicken into a luscious, aromatic masterpiece, bathed in a velvety sauce infused with the exotic essence of coconut milk, bright lime, and fresh cilantro. It’s a taste of sunshine that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, making it perfect for a delightful weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer
This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s an experience. The Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer is a celebration of contrasting yet harmonious flavors and textures. Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces yielding to a fork, enveloped in a sauce that is both rich and refreshing. The full-fat coconut milk provides an unparalleled creaminess without any dairy, making this dish naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – a delicious escape for nearly everyone.
Beyond its incredible taste, you’ll adore how straightforward this recipe is. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-quality meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the kind of comforting, yet exotic, meal that makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical paradise. For more easy and comforting chicken ideas, you might also enjoy our recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting this Brazilian delight requires a thoughtful selection of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces. Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs offer superior tenderness and flavor. Adjust simmering time if using breasts to prevent overcooking.
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped. Yellow or white onions work well.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key for optimal flavor.
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced.
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced. Any color bell pepper can be used, but the red and green add beautiful color contrast.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon. Essential for that warm, earthy depth.
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a lovely smoky aroma and color.
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a subtle kick). Adjust to your spice preference or omit entirely.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained.
- Full-fat coconut milk: 1 (13.5 ounce) can. Do not substitute with light coconut milk if you want that luscious, creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low sodium). Vegetable broth or even water can be used in a pinch.
- Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime. Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable for that bright, zesty finish.
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped, plus more for garnish. If cilantro isn’t your preference, fresh parsley can be used, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
How to Make Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer
Follow these simple steps to bring this tropical delight to your kitchen:
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and wonderfully fragrant.
- It’s time for the spices! Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their intoxicating aromas.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, the rich full-fat coconut milk, and the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon – this adds immense flavor!
- Return the previously browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through, become incredibly tender, and for the sauce to thicken slightly, absorbing all the wonderful flavors.
- Finally, stir in the fresh lime juice and the chopped cilantro. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
- Serve your Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer hot, garnished with extra fresh cilantro for a final flourish.
Tips for Success
Achieving culinary perfection is often in the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer is exceptional:
- Marination Magic: For an even richer, more deeply flavored chicken, try marinating the pieces in a bit of lime juice, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before you brown them. This extra step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This allows more liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming. This creates those desirable browned bits that add depth to the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your food as you go! Adjusting salt, pepper, or even a squeeze more lime juice at the end can make a significant difference in the final flavor balance.
- Add-ins for Heartiness: For an added boost of protein and fiber, consider stirring in a can of drained black beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with several accompaniments.
- Steamed White Rice: The classic choice. Its neutrality allows the complex flavors of the chicken simmer to shine, and it’s perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
- Farofa: For an authentic Brazilian experience, serve with farofa – toasted cassava flour often mixed with butter or turkey bacon. It provides a unique texture contrast.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter, grain-free option.
- Crusty Bread: To mop up every last bit of the exquisite sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing counterpoint to the rich and creamy main course.
Storage & Reheating
One of the best qualities of this Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer is that it often tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping.
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can. However, chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful during simmering. If using chicken breast, cut it into similar 1-inch pieces and be mindful not to overcook it; the simmering time might be slightly shorter to prevent dryness.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The recipe includes an optional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a subtle kick. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne. If you prefer no heat, simply omit it.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: While this recipe is focused on chicken, you could adapt it for a vegetarian version. Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, or firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust simmering times accordingly until vegetables are tender.
Q: What is farofa?
A: Farofa is a toasted cassava flour mixture, a very common side dish in Brazil. It has a crumbly, nutty texture and is often served alongside stews and grilled meats to add texture and soak up juices.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To achieve a thicker sauce, simply remove the lid from the skillet during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This allows more liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening the sauce. You can also mash a few of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pan to help thicken it further.
Conclusion
This Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant, aromatic journey for your senses. With its tender chicken, rich coconut sauce, and bright tropical notes, it truly embodies the spirit of Brazilian cuisine. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, expertly combined, can create an unforgettable dining experience right in your own kitchen. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and let its flavors transport you to a culinary paradise. And for those nights when you’re craving a different kind of comfort food, be sure to check out this Simple Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe for another crowd-pleasing option.
Creamy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Simmer: A Tropical Escape
Indulge in the vibrant, tropical flavors of Brazil with this incredibly creamy and aromatic coconut chicken simmer. Tender chicken pieces are gently cooked in a rich, velvety sauce infused with full-fat coconut milk, fresh lime, cilantro, and a hint of warming spices. This dish is a taste of sunshine, perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, offering a delicious and healthy escape to the Brazilian coast with every spoonful. Prepare to be transported to a culinary paradise with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
- Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, full-fat coconut milk, and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh cilantro. This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or a side of farofa for an authentic Brazilian experience.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, let the chicken marinate in a bit of lime juice, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before browning. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of simmering to allow more evaporation. This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping! You can also add a can of drained black beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg