Description
A bold and comforting Brazilian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a spicy, creamy coconut milk sauce with garlic, peppers, and fresh lime. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1–2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Cooked rice or bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, red and green bell peppers, and chilies. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Stir in paprika, cumin, and tomato paste. Mix until well combined.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour in the coconut milk. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add lime juice and stir in chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest texture.
Adjust chili quantity based on spice preference.
Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or shrimp.
Add greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
