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Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew {Ensopado}

June 26, 2022 by Carrie Tyler 2 Comments

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Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew is an easy dinner. It has chicken thighs, tomatoes, coconut milk, lime, cilantro, and more. Cook in a slow cooker or on the stove!

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew in two bowls, one with a spoon, and slow cooker in background.  It's an easy family dinner.  It's has chicken thighs, tomatoes, lime, cilantro, and more.  Cook in a slow cooker or on the stove!

This is a version of Ensopado, a Brazilian stew. It is thick and hearty, warm and delicious. Chicken thighs are cooked slow in so many wonderful flavors. Onions and garlic bring flavor and aroma, then jalapeño brings a bit of zip. Tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth become the fantastic stew. Finally lime and cilantro bring that familiar South American flare. Overall, you have one fantastic Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew.

Background: It's no surprise that there are an abundance of coconuts in Brazil, given that most of it is in the tropics. Take a walk around in Ibirapuera Park in Sao Paulo and you will Coconut Water vendors all over. They open the coconuts right there and give you the fresh water. So, naturally, you will see coconut incorporated into many different Brazilian recipes. For example, you see it in Moqueca or in various desserts. And of course, in this recipe.

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew in a slow cooker with a spoon scooping some up. It's an easy family dinner. It's has chicken thighs, tomatoes, lime, cilantro, and more. Cook in a slow cooker or on the stove!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

Simple Ingredients and Substitutes

  • Spice Mixture - I used my Brazilian Steak Seasoning Recipe blend. But you could also use:
    • Paprika - Smoked or sweet will work. You can substitute in chili powder.
    • Ground Mustard powder - If you don't have ground, you can use fresh mustard since this is all going into a stew. Dijon would be best. Another substitute is using ground or fresh ginger that's been minced, which can also give that tang and spice.
    • Ground Coriander - You can substitute ground cumin.
    • Salt and Ground Black Pepper
  • Chicken thighs, skinless boneless - You can substitute skinless boneless chicken breasts.
  • Yellow onion – I used yellow onion, but you can use white onion, red onion, shallots, or even scallions.
  • Garlic cloves - Fresh is best when it comes to garlic. You can buy pre-minced garlic to save time or mince it in bulk and freeze it for use when you need it! You can also substitute in dried garlic flakes or garlic powder.
  • Jalapeño - You can substitute green bell pepper.
  • Diced Tomatoes, drained - I used San Marzano diced tomatoes. You can substitute in whole peeled tomatoes and then crushed them in my fingers before adding them. You can also use fresh tomatoes diced. Beefsteak, vine, or plum tomatoes will all work.
  • Lime - Fresh lime juice is best in this recipe. Lemon juice is second best. If you don't have it, you can add a tablespoon of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Otherwise, just leave it out.
  • Fresh Cilantro leaves - If you don't have fresh, you can use dried cilantro along with fresh parsley. You could also substitute fresh basil.
  • Coconut Milk, unsweetened - Not all coconut milks are created equal. Some brands will give you a grainy consistency and texture that is not appealing. I used A Taste of Thai, First Pressing, which is smooth and creamy and blends into the sauce evenly. If you don't have coconut milk, you can substitute in half and half or heavy cream.
  • Vegetable broth or Chicken broth - You can also use vegetable stock or chicken stock or beef broth or stock.
  • Bay leaves - I used whole leaves that I could remove later and discard. If you don't have then, you can substitute in a teaspoon of thyme or or oregano to give more depth.
  • Cornstarch - This is the thickener in the sauce and is great because it can be mixed into cold liquid to dissolve and create a slurry. Then add it’s added to hot liquid to thicken it. It’s much easy than making a flour roux and saves lots of time and fuss!

Simple Equipment and Tools

I made this Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew in a slow cooker. However, you could also make it in the oven in a dutch oven or small roasting pan with a lid. See instructions below for this cooking method.

Mincing garlic is made super easy with a Garlic Press.

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew in two bowls, one with a spoon, and slow cooker in background. It's an easy family dinner. It's has chicken thighs, tomatoes, lime, cilantro, and more. Cook in a slow cooker or on the stove!

Recipe Tips

This is a fantastic recipe to make ahead and reheat. It's also great to make and freeze for those times when you are just too busy to cook from scratch. Here are the 3 ways to make this ahead.

  1. You can prep all of the ingredients (except the broth and the coconut milk) and place into the slow cooker insert the night before and store covered in the fridge. Then the next morning, take the slow cooker insert out of the fridge, add the broth and coconut milk and place it in the slow cooker and set to cook!
  2. Cook the entire stew and then store in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, you can do so on the stove in a covered pot over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. You can also warm it in the oven at 350 F degrees for 20-30 minutes. Or place in the microwave for 3-4 minutes.
  3. You can also cook the entire stew, then cool it in the fridge and then move to the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge the night before. Or thaw and warm it in the oven at 350 F degrees for 20-30 minutes.

How to Make Recipe

Cut the chicken thighs into 1.5-2 inch pieces

Cut chicken thighs in slow cooker for Brazilian Coconut Chicken stew.

Dice the onion. Cut the jalapeño in half and then using a spoon, scrape the seeds and membranes out and discard. Then finely dice the jalapeño. Chop the cilantro. Add the onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the slow cooker.

2 pictures showing how to cut jalapeno in half, remove seeds with a spoon and then finely dice for Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew.

Measure out and add the paprika, ground mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add these along with the bay leaf and the lime juice to the slow cooker.

Cut chicken thighs, onions, jalapeno, seasonings, and bay leaf in slow cooker for Brazilian Coconut Chicken stew.

Mix the cornstarch with the cold water until it dissolves to make a slurry. Add to the slow cooker.

Pour the broth, the drained diced tomatoes, and the coconut milk into the slow cooker.
Mix to combine everything and make sure that the chicken is all submerged. If not, pour in just enough water or broth to cover the chicken.

Then set the slow cooker on high for 6 hours or low for 8 or 10 hours. (All of these time setting will work, they just depend on your schedule.)

All ingredients in slow cooker for Brazilian Coconut Chicken stew.

Stove Top Or Oven Instructions

You can cook this Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew on the stove or in the oven. To do so, make sure that you have a large pot or dutch oven. Follow the instructions to prep.

With the stovetop method, you can first sear the chicken in the pot to get a nice brown sear. Simply preheat the pot on medium-high heat, then add coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and sear the chicken on all sides.

Then add everything else to the pot the same way as with the slow cooker. On the stove top, bring the contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Or place the covered pot in the oven at 400 F degrees for 30 minutes.

What to Serve with Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew

This stew is great served with Brazilian Rice. You can also just make plain white rice or brown rice or even quinoa or other grain. You can also serve with egg noodles or pasta. It also goes well with polenta or potatoes.

Coconut Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Chicken stew ahead and reheat it?

You can absolutely make this Chicken stew ahead! This dish reheats beautifully and is a great meal prep option for enjoying several days during the week! To reheat, you can place it in a microwave safe bowl and warm it for 1-2 minutes. Or you can place it back in a pot covered on the stove and warm it on medium heat. It will take about 10-15 minutes.

Can I freeze this Coconut Chicken Stew?

You can freeze this chicken stew for up to 4 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stove. Or place the frozen stew in the oven at 400 F degrees for 30-40 minutes until warm.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

There are many different veggies that would be great in this stew. Diced carrots, celery, parsnips, or potatoes are all great long cooking veggies. Towards the end of the cooking you can add frozen peas, zucchini or yellow squash, sliced mushrooms, or kale.

How can I make this a Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew?

Most Brazilian foods are full of flavor but not necessarily hot spices. Often, hot pepper sauce is served on the side for you to add on your own. However, if you want to spice up this recipe, all you need to do is to add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh peppers, like diced jalapeno pepper or serrano pepper,

Be sure to check out the web story for this Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew.

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew in two bowls, one with a spoon, and slow cooker in background. It's an easy family dinner. It's has chicken thighs, tomatoes, lime, cilantro, and more. Cook in a slow cooker or on the stove!

Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew {Ensopado}

Carrie Tyler
This version of Ensopado is a Brazilian Coconut chicken stew. It is thick and hearty, warm and delicious. Chicken thighs are cooked slow in so many wonderful flavors. Onions and garlic bring flavor and aroma, then jalapeño brings a bit of zip. Tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth become the fantastic stew. Finally lime and cilantro bring that familiar South American flare. Overall, you have one fantastic Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 6 hrs
Total Time 6 hrs 15 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 306 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

All Other

  • 2 pounds Chicken thighs, skinless boneless
  • 1 Large Onion, diced I used yellow onion
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Large Jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 23 ounces Diced Tomatoes, drained
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro leaves
  • ½ cup Unsweetened coconut milk
  • 4 Cups Chicken stock or Chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • ½ Cup cold Water

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken thighs into 1.5-2 inch pieces and then add to the slow cooker.
    2 pounds Chicken thighs, skinless boneless
  • Dice the onion. Mince the garlic. Cut the jalapeño in half and then using a spoon, scrape the seeds and membranes out and discard. Then finely dice the jalapeño. Chop the cilantro. Add the onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the slow cooker.
    1 Large Onion, diced, 4 Cloves Garlic, minced, 1 Large Jalapeño, seeded and diced, 1 cup Fresh Cilantro leaves
  • Measure out and add the paprika, ground mustard, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Add these along with the bay leaf and the lime juice to the slow cooker.
    2 teaspoons Paprika, 1 teaspoon Ground Mustard powder, 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, 1 Lime, juiced, 1 bay leaf
  • Mix the cornstarch with the cold water until it dissolves to make a slurry. Add to the slow cooker.
    2 Tablespoons Cornstarch, ½ Cup cold Water
  • Pour the broth, the drained diced tomatoes, and the coconut milk into the slow cooker.
    23 ounces Diced Tomatoes, drained, 4 Cups Chicken stock or Chicken broth, ½ cup Unsweetened coconut milk
  • Mix to combine everything and make sure that the chicken is all submerged. If not, pour in just enough water or broth to cover the chicken. Then set the slow cooker on high for 6 hours or low for 8 or 10 hours. (All of these time setting will work, they just depend on your schedule.)

Notes

  1. Stove top Cooking: You can cook this Brazilian Coconut Chicken Stew on the stove or in the oven. To do so, make sure that you have a large pot or dutch oven. Follow the instructions to prep. With the stovetop method, you can first sear the chicken in the pot to get a nice brown sear. Then add everything else to the pot the same way as with the slow cooker. On the stove top, bring the contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Or place the covered pot in the oven at 400 F degrees for 30 minutes.
  2. Can I make this Chicken stew ahead and reheat it?
    You can absolutely make this Chicken Stroganoff ahead! This dish reheats beautifully and is a great meal prep option for enjoying several days during the week! To reheat, you can place it in a microwave safe bowl and warm it for 1-2 minutes. Or you can place it back in a pot covered on the stove and warm it on medium heat. It will take about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Can I freeze this Coconut Chicken Stew?
    You can freeze this chicken stew for up to 4 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stove. Or place the frozen stew in the oven at 400 F degrees for 30-40 minutes until warm.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
    There are many different veggies that would be great in this stew. Diced carrots, celery, parsnips, or potatoes are all great long cooking veggies. Towards the end of the cooking you can add frozen peas, zucchini or yellow squash, sliced mushrooms, or kale.
Keyword chicken dinner, chicken recipes, coconut stew, stew
« Tomato and Onion Salad or Sauce
Crusted Parmesan Pork Tenderloin »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura

    July 10, 2022 at 10:11 pm

    5 stars
    This stew looks incredibly delicious and comforting. Normally, I wouldn't make something that will take some time in the kitchen / on the stove, but this may be a good exception to my rule;-)

    Reply
    • Carrie Tyler

      July 20, 2022 at 11:00 am

      Thank you, Laura!! Please let me know how it turned out! Also, you can make this on the stovetop even faster! I have instructions in the post, but pasted them here for you as well!
      With the stovetop method, you can first sear the chicken in the pot to get a nice brown sear. Simply preheat the pot on medium-high heat, then add coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and sear the chicken on all sides.
      Then add everything else to the pot the same way as with the slow cooker. On the stove top, bring the contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Or place the covered pot in the oven at 400 F degrees for 30 minutes.

      Reply

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Hi there! I'm Carrie and a recent transplant with my family to São Paulo, Brazil from Hoboken, NJ! I am a recipe developer and author sharing my journey through Brazilian food recipes made super easy and delicious! Read more about me →

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