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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that whisks you away to tropical shores with each bite. Tender chicken is marinated in a rich coconut milk sauce, infused with zesty lime and a kick of heat from red chili flakes. Perfect for both family dinners and gatherings, this recipe combines sweet and spicy elements, making it a delightful centerpiece on any table. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste, this dish guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger powder (or fresh ginger)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. 1. Prep your ingredients: Mince garlic and chop cilantro.
  2. 2. Create the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger powder, red chili flakes, salt, and brown sugar.
  3. 3. Marinate chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag; add marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour).
  4. 4. Sizzle the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until browned.
  5. 5. Simmer with sauce: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet; simmer for about 10 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and sauce thickens.
  6. 6. Garnish & serve: Transfer chicken to a platter, drizzle with extra sauce if desired, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.
  • Author: Stefanie Weber
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For deeper flavor absorption, marinate overnight. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs or add vegetables like bell peppers. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of chili flakes used.