Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in coconut milk and Brazilian spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, coconut milk, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush grill grates with 2 tablespoons olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have a slight char.
  5. Step 5: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Coconut-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices?

Brazilian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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