Description
Best Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken thigh recipe simmered in coconut milk with lime, garlic, and chili. It’s the perfect gluten-free dinner packed with tropical flair and bold seasoning. Ideal for weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 red chili, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp chili flakes)
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, and chili to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the coconut milk, add lime zest and juice, and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until cooked through and tender.
5. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve over rice or with warm bread.
Notes
Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the flavors deepen.
If using chicken breasts, reduce simmering time to avoid drying.
Garnish with extra lime wedges or sliced chili for presentation and punch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg