45-Minute Pan-Fried Creamy Brazilian Caramelized Chicken Thighs (Paleo Crowd-Pleaser)
This quick, budget-friendly dish features juicy chicken thighs seared to a golden brown and coated in a rich, creamy caramelized sauce made with coconut milk and lime. It's a Paleo-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers authentic Brazilian flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs pat dry with paper towels
- 1 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tbsp coconut oil divided
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk well-shaken
- 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos or Paleo-friendly soy sauce alternative
- 1 tsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken thighs in the salt and pepper up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. Variations: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. If you don't have coconut aminos, you can use a splash of fish sauce (check for Paleo compliance) or omit it. Serving Suggestion: Serve over a bed of zucchini noodles or a simple green salad for a lighter option.