Dinner Lunch

Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe: A Tropical Fiery Delight

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Brazil with this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken a dish that perfectly marries fiery heat with creamy tropical sweetness. Inspired by the flavors of Bahia, where African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences collide, this recipe showcases Brazil’s love for bold spices and rich coconut milk. Picture golden chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce of coconut milk, fiery malagueta peppers (or your favorite chilies), and a hint of citrus, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes this dish truly special is its textural symphony tender chicken that falls off the bone, swimming in a velvety, spice-infused coconut sauce with just the right amount of kick. The heat builds gradually, balanced by the cooling creaminess of coconut milk, while fresh cilantro and lime add a bright, aromatic finish. Whether you’re craving a taste of Brazilian cuisine or simply want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked simplicity.

What Makes Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Special?

This recipe stands out for its explosive flavor profile and effortless cooking process—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

  • Signature Ingredients: Coconut milk, fiery chilies, and dendê oil (palm oil) create an authentic Brazilian taste.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Cooked entirely in a single skillet or Dutch oven for easy cleanup.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust spice levels from mild to mouth-numbing with your preferred chilies.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or meal prep, this dish brings Brazilian comfort food to your table with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients in Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

  • Stay juicy during cooking and add rich flavor to the sauce.

Coconut Milk

  • Creates a creamy, slightly sweet base that balances the heat.

Dendê Oil (Palm Oil)

  • Traditional Brazilian ingredient that adds earthy depth and vibrant color (substitute: annatto oil or paprika).

Malagueta Peppers or Scotch Bonnets

  • Provide authentic Brazilian heat (adjust quantity to taste).

Fresh Ginger & Garlic

  • Add aromatic warmth and complexity.

Lime Juice & Cilantro

  • Brighten the dish with citrusy freshness.
Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe: A Tropical Fiery Delight
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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe: A Tropical Fiery Delight

Recipe by Jamie Erin
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 1 tablespoon dendê oil (or 1 tsp paprika + 1 tbsp olive oil)

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1-2 malagueta peppers or Scotch bonnets, minced (adjust to taste)

  • 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Directions for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

  • Sear the Chicken
    Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat dendê oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
  •  Sauté the Aromatics
    In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Simmer in Coconut Sauce
    Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add red bell pepper and return chicken to the skillet.
  • Cook to Perfection
    Simmer covered on low heat for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
  •  Finish & Serve
    Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

What to Serve with Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

  • Traditional: Farofa (toasted cassava flour) or white rice to soak up the sauce.
  • Modern Twist: Coconut lime quinoa or grilled plantains for sweetness.
  • Drinks: Caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail) or iced hibiscus tea to cool the heat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Serves 4)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fats: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg

How to Store & Reheat

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a fiery, creamy, and aromatic masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to make. The tropical heat and richness make it a standout dish for anyone who loves bold flavors. Try it with extra chilies for more kick or add spinach for greens. Once you taste it, this might just become your new favorite chicken recipe.

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