A vibrant Brazilian chicken and rice dish filled with warm spices, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables.
Brazilian Galinhada is a comforting one-pot meal in which chicken and rice cook together with aromatic vegetables and spices. The combination of turmeric, paprika, and cumin gives the dish its distinctive golden color and rich, savory flavor.
With sweet peas, red pepper, and tomatoes adding freshness and texture, every serving brings together hearty ingredients and fragrant rice. Finished with fresh parsley and lemon, this dish offers a satisfying balance of warmth, brightness, and homestyle comfort.
Ingredients
750 g basmati rice (4 cups), soaked for 20 minutes
1 kg chicken
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup peas
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
5½ cups chicken stock
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon, for serving and garnish
Method
Prepare the Rice: Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 20 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown for approximately 8 minutes, turning the pieces so they develop color on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped onion, garlic, red pepper, and tomatoes to the same pot. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to blend with the vegetable mixture.
Coat the Rice: Add the drained rice to the pot. Stir gently so the grains become evenly coated with the aromatic vegetables and spices.
Simmer with Chicken and Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and return the browned chicken to the pot. Cover and cook over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Add the peas during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
Rest and Garnish: Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then garnish with fresh parsley and lemon before serving.
Serve
Serve Brazilian Galinhada hot with a fresh tomato salad and grilled vegetables for a balanced, colorful meal. Offer lemon wedges to brighten the savory flavors and hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra heat. The chicken and rice can be served together straight from the pot for a hearty family-style meal.