Creamy, Vibrant, One-Pot Tropical Comfort
This Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a warm, flavorful, comfort-style dish inspired by moqueca, the iconic Brazilian coconut stew. Tender chicken simmers in a velvety coconut milk sauce with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and fresh lime—creating a bright, tropical flavor profile that feels both cozy and refreshing. It’s a one-pot recipe perfect for busy nights, yet impressive enough for weekend hosting. With simple ingredients and ultra-creamy results, this dish brings a little sunshine to your dinner table!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt, more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Citrus squeezer (optional)
🍛 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Season & Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. 🌶️ - Build the Sauce
Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor. - Add Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk and stir until creamy. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. - Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened. The aroma should be rich and tropical. 😋 - Finish with Lime & Cilantro
Turn off heat. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro for brightness. - Serve
Ladle over rice or serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- Make it spicier: Add a minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Creamier texture: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Veggie swaps: Try adding spinach, zucchini, or sweet potato.
- Leftovers: Store refrigerated up to 3 days; sauce thickens and becomes even richer overnight.