Description
A comforting dish that features tender chicken in a rich and creamy coconut sauce, spiced to perfection for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, browning them on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional minute to unleash their flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and coconut milk, stirring to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan along with chicken broth and a bay leaf. Mix well.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste the sauce, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!
- Serve the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken over cooked rice, finishing it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
For an even bolder flavor, marinate longer or add vegetables like spinach during simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Brazilian