Brazilian Coconut Chicken with Lime (Printable Version)

Creamy coconut chicken with lime and spices ready in 45 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
07 - 1 lime, zest and juice

→ Liquids & Dairy Alternatives

08 - 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in garlic, chili (if using), cumin, paprika, and coriander. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Return chicken to the pan and pour in coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has slightly thickened.
05 - Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro alongside steamed rice or cassava.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce is so incredible you will want to drink it straight from the pan
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • Perfect for those nights when you want something exotic but still comforting and familiar
02 -
  • Marinate the chicken with half the spices and lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor
  • Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last few minutes if you want it thicker
  • Resist the urge to crank up the heat coconut milk can separate if boiled too aggressively
03 -
  • Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to wake up their oils
  • Add the lime juice at the very end to preserve its bright fresh flavor

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