A Taste of Brazil in One Skillet

Inspired by Craving Home Cooked, Better Home Base, and AllRecipes, Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a dish that brings the warmth and vibrancy of Brazil straight to your kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and exotic flair, combining creamy coconut milk with bold spices and fresh vegetables. This one-skillet wonder is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick yet flavorful, but it also shines at festive gatherings, offering a dish that feels both special and approachable. The tender chicken absorbs the fragrant sauce, while the coconut milk creates a velvety base that’s slightly spicy, deeply savory, and irresistibly rich. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, Brazilian Coconut Chicken is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve restaurant-quality results. It’s a dish that celebrates Brazil’s culinary traditions while adapting beautifully to everyday cooking.

What Is Brazilian Coconut Chicken?

Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a comforting variation of Moqueca, the traditional Brazilian seafood stew. Instead of fish, this adaptation uses chicken, making it more versatile and accessible while retaining the dish’s signature flavors. The recipe combines coconut milk, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices to create a sauce that’s creamy, fragrant, and slightly spicy. The chicken simmers gently in this flavorful base until tender, absorbing the richness of the coconut and the brightness of the vegetables. The result is a dish that’s hearty yet light, perfect for serving over rice, couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, Brazilian Coconut Chicken captures the essence of Brazilian cuisine—comforting, communal, and full of life.

Ingredient Overview

The magic of Brazilian Coconut Chicken lies in the balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors:

Chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts are best for tenderness and quick cooking.
Coconut milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess and authentic flavor.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger form the aromatic base.
Spices: Turmeric adds golden color, paprika brings smokiness, and chili peppers provide heat.
Optional add-ins: Fresh cilantro for brightness, lime juice for acidity, and fish sauce for depth.

Tip: Always use fresh ginger and garlic for authentic flavor and depth.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s creamy, fragrant, and layered with complexity, yet simple enough for everyday cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and turmeric.
Sear chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Add tomatoes & coconut milk: Stir in chopped tomatoes and pour in coconut milk. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken: Place seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and cook until tender, about 10–15 minutes.
Finish: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tip: Simmer gently—boiling coconut milk can cause separation.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

Spicy version: Add extra chili peppers or hot sauce.
Creamier version: Use double the coconut milk for a richer sauce.
Surf-and-turf twist: Add shrimp alongside chicken for a Brazilian-inspired fusion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brazilian Coconut Chicken over fluffy rice, couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pair with farofa (toasted cassava flour) for an authentic Brazilian side. Complement the dish with a crisp white wine or a refreshing caipirinha cocktail for a festive touch.