Name: Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil); 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium tomatoes, chopped small; 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 14 ounce unsweetened coconut milk; 2 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

If you have a craving for something exotic, flavorful, and just a little bit fiery, this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish bursts with vibrant spices like cumin, cayenne, and turmeric balanced perfectly by creamy coconut milk, making every bite a tropical celebration. It’s comfort food with a kick, blending tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious, aromatic sauce that will instantly transport your taste buds to the heart of Brazil. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe delivers bold, unforgettable flavor with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds clear glass bowls arranged neatly, each filled with different ingredients. In the lower left, a bowl contains two raw chicken pieces with a light pink color. To the right, a bowl is filled with bright red diced tomatoes. Above these, a bowl with finely chopped white onions sits next to another bowl with a thick white liquid, likely cream. Small bowls are scattered around holding various spices and herbs: golden yellow oil, light yellow minced garlic, green sliced jalapeños, chopped green herbs, brown seeds, red powder, and a few other seasonings in earthy tones. The overall setup is clean and organized, with a focus on the fresh and vibrant colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe brings together a simple yet essential collection of ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to create an incredible harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the warmth of the spices to the freshness of the herbs and the richness of the coconut milk, every component has its role to play.

1 teaspoon cumin (ground): Adds earthiness and a subtle smoky aroma that’s fundamental to Brazilian flavors.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings the fiery heat that makes this dish delightfully spicy.
1 teaspoon turmeric: Provides a beautiful golden hue and a slightly bitter, warm essence.
1 teaspoon coriander (ground): Offers citrus undertones that brighten the overall profile.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory backbone without overpowering the fresh garlic’s punch.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies all the flavors in the dish.
½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a gentle heat and depth.
4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): The lean protein that soaks up all these spices beautifully.
3 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil): Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies, aiding flavor development.
1 medium onion (chopped): Provides a sweet and savory base that softens during cooking.
1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped): A fresh, bright heat element that complements the cayenne’s spiciness.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (chopped): Adds zing and warmth to the profile, making the sauce vibrant.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives fresh pungency and depth that garlic lovers will adore.
3 medium tomatoes (chopped small): Add juiciness and subtle sweetness, creating a slightly tangy sauce base.
2 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Injects brightness and balances the richness of the coconut milk.
14 ounce unsweetened coconut milk: The creamy, tropical foundation that mellows the heat and enriches the sauce.
2 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped or cilantro): Used as a fresh, herbal garnish to finish the dish perfectly.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix the spices

Start by combining the ground cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This spice blend is what makes the dish pop with bold and intricate flavors, laying the perfect foundation for the chicken.

Step 2: Season and sear the chicken

Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the spice mixture so every bite is infused with smoky heat. Heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the veggies

Using the remaining tablespoon of oil, sauté onion, jalapeno, ginger, and garlic in the same skillet. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, releasing a fragrant aroma that builds the sauce’s depth.

Step 4: Add tomatoes and lemon juice

Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes and fresh lemon juice, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it cook down for 5 minutes so the tomatoes soften, contributing a slight sweetness and tang that balances the heat.

Step 5: Simmer with coconut milk

Pour in the unsweetened coconut milk and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become luxuriously velvety while mellowing the spices perfectly.

Step 6: Combine with chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts and any resting juices to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer together for 5 more minutes, letting the chicken soak up the rich, spicy sauce flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness before serving your irresistible Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe

The image shows two black pans side by side, each filled with cooked chicken pieces in creamy sauce. The pan on the left contains four browned chicken pieces with a golden-brown crust floating in light orange creamy sauce with visible spices. The pan on the right has five lighter golden chicken pieces covered in the same creamy sauce, topped with small green herb leaves scattered over the dish. Both pans rest on a white marbled surface, and a blue and white striped cloth is partially under the right pan. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a lovely pop of green color and brighten the deep flavors of the dish. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or a few thin slices of red chili can add flair and an extra hint of heat. A wedge of lime on the side brings an optional zesty twist that guests will love.

Side Dishes

This coconut chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the rich sauce like a dream. For a healthier option, try it over quinoa or cauliflower rice. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach make delicious and colorful complements.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe in deep bowls to showcase the sauce, or plate it elegantly alongside rice molded with a small bowl for neatness. Garnish with edible flowers or chopped toasted nuts like cashews for an added textural surprise. For a festive occasion, accompany with warm, buttered flatbreads or freshly made cassava chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to preserve the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the leftovers over low heat on the stovetop or in a microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. Adding a splash of coconut milk or water during reheating can help maintain the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for even cooking and tenderness, you can use thighs or drumsticks as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe offers a pleasant medium heat level thanks to the cayenne and jalapeno, but you can easily adjust the spice by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your taste.

Is coconut milk necessary?

The coconut milk is an essential ingredient that balances the spices with creamy richness. For a dairy-free and authentic Brazilian flavor, unsweetened coconut milk is the best choice.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure to use pure spices and check all labels if you’re buying packaged products.

What can I substitute for fresh ginger?

If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can use ground ginger, but reduce the amount by half to prevent overpowering the other flavors. Fresh ginger really adds that bright zing that lifts the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. It balances bold spices, creamy coconut, and fresh ingredients into a recipe that’s both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to give it a try — it’s the kind of dish that quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen and brings friends and family together with every flavorful bite.