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Brazilian Coconut Chicken (Creamy One-Pan Dinner)

Warm, comforting, and bursting with tropical flavor, Brazilian Coconut Chicken is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to somewhere sunny and vibrant. With tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich coconut-based sauce, layered with gentle spices and aromatic ingredients, this recipe delivers deep flavor while remaining soothing and balanced. It’s hearty, cozy, and full of personality—comfort food with a touch of escape.

What makes Brazilian Coconut Chicken so special is the way simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable. Creamy coconut milk provides a luxurious base, while spices and aromatics slowly infuse the sauce with warmth and depth. As the chicken simmers, it absorbs all that flavor, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful in every bite. The result is a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent, without being heavy.

This is the kind of recipe that fits beautifully into real life. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners, yet interesting enough to feel special when you want to change things up. Serve it over rice, spoon it into bowls, or enjoy it as a comforting one-pot meal—Brazilian Coconut Chicken is versatile, satisfying, and deeply comforting. If you love creamy sauces, bold yet gentle flavors, and recipes that feel like a warm hug, you’ll want to keep reading to see how this beautiful dish comes together.

Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce with warm spices and aromatics. Comforting, flavorful, and perfect served over rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4Course: Main DishCuisine: Brazilian / Latin-InspiredMethod: SimmeringDifficulty: Easy

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced (or 1 cup chopped tomatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth optional, for thinner sauce
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until lightly golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add bell pepper (or tomatoes), cumin, and remaining paprika. Stir to combine.
  6. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
  7. Return chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Final Thoughts

Brazilian Coconut Chicken is the kind of dish that feels like comfort food with a sense of place. The creamy coconut sauce, infused with gentle spices and aromatics, creates a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and deeply nourishing. It’s rich without being overwhelming and flavorful without relying on heavy seasoning, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its balance. The coconut milk provides luxurious texture, while the chicken remains tender and juicy, soaking up every bit of flavor. The aromatics and spices work quietly in the background, enhancing rather than overpowering the dish. Each bite feels cohesive, thoughtful, and comforting.

This is also a recipe that fits effortlessly into everyday cooking. It’s simple enough for weeknights, flexible enough for substitutions, and elegant enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to expand your regular dinner rotation, Brazilian Coconut Chicken delivers reliable, delicious results.

If you love creamy sauces, one-pan meals, and recipes that feel both cozy and a little bit transportive, this dish is well worth adding to your collection. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever you want something comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.