Brazilian Coconut Curry Chicken

This dish is a flavorful fusion of Brazilian and Indian influences, featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced coconut sauce with vibrant aromatics. Perfectly served over rice with fresh cilantro and lime!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for extra color)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1-2 fresh chilies (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
• 1 cup diced potatoes or sweet potatoes (for heartiness)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Toss to coat and let sit while you prepare the sauce.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and chilies, cooking until fragrant.

3. Build the Flavor

4. Stir in red bell pepper, coriander, and cumin, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth (if using). Stir well.

4. Simmer & Finish

7. Return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
8. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Serve hot over fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or with crusty bread.
• Garnish with more cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and optional chili flakes for extra heat!

🔥 Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with fried plantains, black beans, or a fresh tropical salad.

Would you like a variation, like making it vegetarian or adjusting spice levels? 😊