Description
A delightful dish combining bold flavors and creamy textures with juicy chicken in a rich coconut milk sauce, spiced with chili and paprika.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: fresh chili or jalapeño, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels and slice it into large bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the chicken along with juices to the pan and gently simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Stir in the lime juice and brown sugar. Adjust seasoning as needed, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for better juiciness. Adjust the spice level to taste and use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg