Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Brazilian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1–2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by creating a delightful marinade that infuses the chicken with robust flavors. Combine the chicken thighs in a large bowl with coconut milk, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili paste, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mixing these ingredients creates a rich, savory marinade designed to tenderize and flavor the meat. Once mixed, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, with overnight being optimal for a deep infusion of flavors.
- As the marination process reaches completion, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that, upon baking, the chicken sears beautifully and the flavors permeate thoroughly. Take out your marinated chicken from the refrigerator and transfer it into a baking dish, arranging the thighs in a single layer. This even distribution helps the chicken cook uniformly, ensuring that your meal is juicy and succulent throughout.
- With the oven preheated, slide your baking dish into the oven and let the chicken bake uncovered for approximately 35–40 minutes. Keep a close watch as you anticipate the fragrance that will envelop your kitchen, signaling readiness. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s cooked perfectly and safe to eat.
- Once the chicken is baked to perfection, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to retreat back into the meat, resulting in an irresistibly juicy meal. As a finishing touch, generously squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken and top with chopped cilantro, adding a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spicy notes.
Notes
Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances the flavors significantly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
- Sodium: 750 mg per serving
- Protein: 38 g per serving