Description
A flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with coconut milk and a vibrant blend of spices, capturing the essence of Brazilian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 red chili peppers, sliced (jalapeño or Fresno)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Lime wedges & toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and sliced chili peppers, cooking until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add cumin, turmeric, and cayenne (if using) and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any stuck bits, followed by coconut milk, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Adjust seasoning as desired and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For less heat, use milder chili peppers or reduce the amount. Can marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg