Brazilian Coconut Chicken Dish
Brazilian Coconut Chicken Dish is a delightful culinary experience that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Brazil. This dish, known as “Frango com Coco,” combines tender chicken with the rich, creamy flavor of coconut milk, creating a symphony of taste and texture that is simply irresistible. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the coastal regions of Brazil, where coconut is a staple ingredient, reflecting the country’s tropical climate and diverse culinary heritage.
People love this Brazilian Coconut Chicken Dish not only for its mouthwatering flavor but also for its convenience. It’s a one-pot meal that allows you to savor the essence of Brazilian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spices, coconut, and chicken creates a comforting dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Whether served over rice or with a side of fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Join me as we explore the steps to create this delicious Brazilian Coconut Chicken Dish that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Cooking the Chicken
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Preparing the Coconut Topping
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the coconut topping. In a small skillet, toast the shredded coconut over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
- Once toasted, remove the coconut from the heat and set aside.
Assembling the Dish
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
- To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and spoon some of the sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut generously over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Brazilian Coconut Chicken dish pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your culinary journey to Brazil with this delightful dish!

Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Brazil right to your kitchen, this Brazilian Coconut Chicken dish is an absolute must-try! The combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic spices, creates a delightful harmony that is both comforting and exotic. Each bite transports you to a tropical paradise, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside some crispy fried plantains. The sweetness of the plantains complements the savory notes of the chicken beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal that will impress your guests. For a refreshing touch, you can also serve a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed bell peppers or fresh spinach to the coconut sauce for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations of this recipe! You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The beauty of this Brazilian Coconut Chicken dish lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Cooking can be a wonderful adventure, and this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Once you’ve made it, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation on social media. Let’s spread the joy of cooking and the love for this Brazilian Coconut Chicken dish together! Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover this delicious recipe. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Brazilian Coconut Chicken Dish: A Flavorful Recipe to Try
Experience the vibrant taste of Brazilian Coconut Chicken, where tender chicken breasts are marinated in a rich coconut milk blend and topped with toasted coconut. This dish combines aromatic spices and creamy textures, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the coconut topping. In a small skillet, toast the shredded coconut over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
- Once toasted, remove the coconut from the heat and set aside.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
- To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and spoon some of the sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut generously over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
- Serve with rice or quinoa to complement the dish.





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