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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken: A Flavorful Delight

This Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the zest of Brazilian spices. It’s a culinary journey that brings the exotic tastes of Brazil right to your kitchen. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a creamy coconut milk mixture infused with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The dish is then baked to perfection, resulting in succulent, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s bursting with a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless
  • 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 –2 tablespoons chili paste adjust based on heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
  2. In a large bowl, place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Ensure they are trimmed of any excess fat for optimal flavor absorption. Add the coconut milk, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili paste (adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of spiciness), ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. The marinade is the heart of this dish, so ensuring every piece of chicken is well-covered is crucial. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag.
  5. Step 3: Refrigerate
  6. Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight for the best flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense and delicious the flavors will become.
  7. Step 4: Preheat the Oven
  8. When you're ready to cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before you put the chicken in to ensure even cooking.
  9. Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
  10. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and transfer it along with all the marinade into a large baking dish. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.