Description
Brazilian Coconut Chicken offers a rich, aromatic experience without the complexity of traditional stews. It features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, lime-infused sauce, using pantry staples and fresh aromatics to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 lbs Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tbsp Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil
1 Large Yellow Onion (diced)
3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
1 Red Bell Pepper (sliced into thin strips)
1 Yellow Bell Pepper (sliced into thin strips)
1 can (14 oz) Full-Fat Coconut Milk
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
1 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
1 tsp Ground Turmeric
1/2 tsp Cumi
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
Juice of 1 Lime
Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. Sear the meat until it develops a golden-brown crust on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and the honey. Whisk the mixture gently to combine
- Simmer: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes
- Finish and Brighten: Remove the lid and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving
Notes
For meal prep, this dish can be stored in an airtight container and tastes better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg