Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk, known as “Frango com Leite de Coco” in Brazil, is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy coconut sauce. This dish is popular in Brazilian cuisine and is often served with rice and vegetables. The combination of spices, coconut milk, and lime juice gives this dish a unique and tropical flavor that is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil
How to Make Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and coconut milk to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken cubes to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk over rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.
About the Main Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts. They also hold up well to the long cooking time.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to the dish. It is a staple in Brazilian cuisine and adds a tropical flair to many dishes.
- Spices: The combination of cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric gives this dish its rich and aromatic flavor. These spices are commonly used in Brazilian cooking and complement the other ingredients well.
- Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish, balancing out the richness of the coconut milk.
This Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and is sure to become a new favorite in your home.
