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Brazilian Coconut Chicken

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A comforting dish featuring silky coconut sauce and browned chicken, brightened with lime and cilantro.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken cubes into the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  5. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and lime juice.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  9. Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with extra cilantro.

Notes

For a lighter option, use cauliflower rice or light coconut milk. Tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian version.

  • Author: Sam Razal
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg