Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Brazil with this mouthwatering Brazilian Chicken Stew that promises to be more than just another dinner recipe. This incredibly rich and aromatic dish combines tender chicken, perfectly balanced spices, and a luscious sauce that will make your family beg for seconds. Whether you're a culinary adventurer or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food that brings the warmth of Brazilian cuisine right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, chopping onion, mincing garlic, and dicing bell pepper and tomatoes.
- Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coating on all chicken pieces.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil.
- Brown chicken pieces in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped bell peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Return browned chicken pieces to the pot and add chopped tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, preferably over white rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose dark meat chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness - they're more forgiving during cooking and stay juicier than white meat.
- Take time to properly brown your chicken before simmering. This step builds deep, complex flavors that are essential to an authentic Brazilian stew.
- Use fresh, high-quality paprika for the best taste. Avoid pre-ground spices that have been sitting in your pantry for months.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Low and slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- For an extra layer of authenticity, consider adding a splash of cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane spirit) during cooking for a traditional touch.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
