Description
A vibrant Brazilian dish featuring succulent chicken braised in a rich coconut milk sauce with aromatic spices, lime, and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional garnishes: Fresh chili or jalapeño, sliced; toasted coconut flakes; cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and slice it into large, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Stir in lime juice and brown sugar, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, garnished with cilantro, sliced chili, and toasted coconut flakes.
Notes
Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and marinade a day in advance. Can be adapted for the oven as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg