Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1 teaspoon paprika
02 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you like things mild)
03 - 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless and skinless), cut into smaller chunks
04 - Salt and cracked black pepper to your liking
05 - 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

→ Coconut Sauce

06 - 1 bay leaf
07 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
08 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
10 - 2 tablespoons any neutral vegetable oil
11 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
12 - 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped for topping
15 - Salt and pepper for final seasoning
16 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped however you like
17 - 1 medium onion, diced

→ For Serving

18 - Warm cooked rice, white or brown works well

# Instructions:

01 - Throw your chicken chunks into a bowl with garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix it up and let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you handle everything else.
02 - Add oil to a large pan and toss in the marinated chicken. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes until it looks golden all over. Take it out and set it aside.
03 - Put your onion and bell pepper into the same pan and cook them for a bit until they’re nice and soft. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
04 - Mix in cumin, coriander, and that smoky paprika with the tender veggies. Let them cook for a minute or two so their flavors really shine.
05 - Pour in your tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring it all together until the sauce becomes smooth and delicious-looking.
06 - Move the chicken back into the pan. Add your chicken broth and toss in the bay leaf. Stir it all to combine and get the chicken fully coated in the sauce.
07 - Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let it quietly bubble for 20-25 minutes. The sauce will thicken up, and the chicken will get super tender.
08 - Pull out the bay leaf, then have a taste. Is it perfect? If not, go ahead and sprinkle in more salt or pepper until it’s just right.
09 - Spoon out some fluffy rice, top it with that creamy chicken, and drizzle a bit of that luscious sauce over everything.
10 - Heap a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro on top to add a pop of green and brightness.

# Notes:

01 - This dish has a bold combination of creamy, spicy, and rich flavors perfect for a cozy meal.
02 - Serve alongside simple lime-dressed greens or Brazilian-style rice for that extra touch.
03 - Store leftovers for tomorrow—the flavors get even more amazing overnight.

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