Sautéed Brazilian Chicken with Coconut and Cilantro
Tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant coconut sauce, enhanced with fresh cilantro and vibrant Brazilian spices. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs boneless, coconut milk, chopped fresh cilantro leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Season 1 lb boneless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Brazilian Chicken with Coconut and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sautéed Brazilian Chicken with Coconut and Cilantro?
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 chicken thighs boneless from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Brazilian Chicken with Coconut and Cilantro?
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 Sautéed Brazilian Chicken with Coconut and Cilantro 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 Sautéed Brazilian Chicken with Coconut and Cilantro?
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.
