I still remember the first time I made this Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe — the warm spice aroma and creamy coconut sauce filled my kitchen and made everyone gather around before dinner was even ready. I loved how simple pantry ingredients transformed into something that tasted restaurant-worthy.

The sauce came out rich, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken. It quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals to cook when I want something exciting but easy, much like the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Let me walk you through how you can make this vibrant dish at home too.

Ingredients

Here’s everything needed to create this flavorful dish, along with helpful tips for best results:

1 teaspoon ground cumin — adds a warm, earthy flavor that forms the base of the spice blend.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper — provides the spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.
1 teaspoon turmeric — gives beautiful color and subtle warmth.
1 teaspoon ground coriander — adds light citrus notes that brighten the dish.
½ teaspoon garlic powder — enhances savory flavor throughout the chicken.
1 teaspoon salt — balances and enhances all ingredients.
½ teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground works best for stronger aroma.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — fresh chicken gives better texture than frozen.
3 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil — coconut oil enhances tropical flavor, but olive oil works well too.
1 medium onion, chopped — fresh onion provides better sweetness than pre-chopped frozen options.
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped — remove seeds for milder heat or keep them for extra spice.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced — fresh ginger gives brighter flavor compared to powdered.
3 cloves garlic, minced — freshly minced garlic makes the sauce more aromatic.
3 medium tomatoes, chopped — fresh tomatoes add natural acidity and body to the sauce.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice — brightens and balances the richness of coconut milk.
14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk — use full-fat for the creamiest sauce.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro — fresh herbs add freshness and color at the end.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings.

Variations

There are many ways to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Reduce or skip cayenne and jalapeño if you prefer a milder dish.
Add bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and color.
Swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you enjoy extra heat.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe typically takes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large mixing bowl — for seasoning the chicken evenly.
Chef’s knife and cutting board — for prepping vegetables and aromatics.
Large skillet or sauté pan — cooks chicken and sauce in one pan.
Measuring spoons and cups — ensure proper spice balance.
Tongs or spatula — for turning chicken and stirring sauce.

How to Make Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple steps, creating deep flavor with minimal effort. Each stage builds layers that make the final dish rich and satisfying. Take your time with each step for the best results.

Prepare the Spice Blend

Mix cumin, cayenne, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. These spices create the dish’s signature flavor. Coat the chicken thoroughly so every bite is seasoned well.

Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in moisture while forming a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken temporarily and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

Add remaining oil to the pan and sauté onions, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic until soft and fragrant. This creates the flavorful base for the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Add Tomatoes and Lemon Juice

Mix chopped tomatoes and lemon juice into the pan, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook until tomatoes soften and release juices. This step balances richness with acidity.

Pour in Coconut Milk

Add coconut milk and allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly. This creamy stage ties together all spices and vegetables. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Place chicken back into the sauce and simmer gently so flavors blend. Spoon sauce over the chicken while cooking. Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my own experience, these little tweaks improved the dish:

I always let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes for richer flavor.
Fresh ginger and garlic made a huge difference in taste for me.
I sometimes squeeze extra lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
Letting the chicken rest briefly in sauce keeps it tender and juicy.

How to Serve Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe?

Serve the chicken over steamed white rice or coconut rice so the grains soak up the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon or lime wedges for brightness. Adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad makes the meal complete and colorful.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional overview per serving:

Calories: About 620 kcal
Protein: Around 50 g
Carbohydrates: Around 15 g
Fat: Around 40 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Allow the dish to cool, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It remains fresh for 3–5 days and flavors deepen over time.

Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish quickly becomes a household favorite for many reasons:

Easy to prepare
The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for busy nights.
Bold and comforting flavor
Creamy coconut sauce combined with spices creates a satisfying and memorable meal.
Flexible and customizable
You can easily adjust heat levels or add vegetables and different proteins.
Great for leftovers and meal prep
The flavors become even better the next day, making it ideal for planned meals, and it fits perfectly alongside comforting options like the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe when planning weekly menus.
Restaurant-style results at home
It delivers impressive flavor without complicated techniques.

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a perfect mix of warmth, spice, and creamy comfort, making it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again.

Ash Tyrrell