Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken thighs in a creamy, spicy coconut sauce enriched with Brazilian spices and fresh cilantro.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Poultry

01 - 680 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 medium onion, chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Canned Goods

05 - 400 grams diced tomatoes (1 can)
06 - 400 milliliters coconut milk (1 can)
07 - 240 milliliters chicken broth

→ Spices

08 - 1 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Oils & Fats

16 - Vegetable oil for sautéing

→ Garnish

17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Accompaniments

18 - Cooked rice, for serving

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Combine minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper with chicken thighs in a large bowl. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Place marinated chicken thighs into the pan. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Serve chicken hot over cooked rice and garnish generously with fresh cilantro.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes intensifies the flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper to modify heat level. Pair with white, brown rice, or quinoa for variation.