A rich and aromatic Brazilian chicken and rice dish infused with spices, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Galinhada is a beloved one-pot meal, combining tender chicken, fragrant rice, and flavorful seasonings for a comforting and hearty dish. This traditional recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special gathering, bringing the warm flavors of Brazil to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Brazilian Flavor – A perfect blend of spices, smoked sausage, and fresh herbs.
- One-Pot Meal – Easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
- Rich and Hearty – A satisfying combination of protein, rice, and vegetables.
- Customizable – Easily adapted to different tastes by adjusting spices or adding vegetables.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- Olive oil
- Smoked sausage (linguiça or chorizo), sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Ground turmeric
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Long-grain rice
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Green peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lime, cut into wedges
Directions
- Brown the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the sausage and vegetables – In the same pan, cook the sliced sausage until slightly crispy. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until soft.
- Add the spices and rice – Stir in turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the rice and mix well to coat with the seasonings.
- Simmer the dish – Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the rice – Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and serve – Stir in green peas, cover for another 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Galinhada – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetable-Rich Version – Include carrots, green beans, or corn for more texture.
- Seafood Twist – Substitute chicken with shrimp or add seafood for a coastal-inspired dish.
- Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free – Naturally free from dairy and gluten, perfect for different dietary needs.
- Herb-Infused Flavor – Add fresh thyme or bay leaves while cooking for extra aroma.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
FAQs
What is Galinhada?
Galinhada is a traditional Brazilian chicken and rice dish, slow-cooked with spices and often enriched with sausage and vegetables.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used, but bone-in chicken provides extra flavor.
What type of rice is best for Galinhada?
Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best for a fluffy texture.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the rice in the last hour to prevent overcooking.
What can I serve with Galinhada?
It pairs well with a simple green salad, farofa (toasted cassava flour), or pão de queijo (cheese bread).
Is this dish very spicy?
Galinhada is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I cook this dish with brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and extra broth.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Stir occasionally and use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chorizo can be used for different flavors.
What gives Galinhada its yellow color?
Turmeric provides the signature golden hue and earthy taste.
Conclusion
Traditional Brazilian Galinhada is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice. Whether for a family meal or a festive gathering, this one-pot recipe is easy to make and packed with rich, authentic flavors. Try it today and experience a taste of Brazil in your own kitchen!
PrintTraditional Brazilian Galinhada
A rich and aromatic Brazilian chicken and rice dish infused with spices, vegetables, and fresh herbs—perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 smoked sausage (linguiça or chorizo), sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the sliced sausage until slightly crispy. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until soft.
- Stir in turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the rice and mix well to coat with the seasonings.
- Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in green peas, cover for another 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with Brazilian hot sauce (molho de pimenta) for an authentic experience.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving