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+ servings
Melany

Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

A comforting Brazilian classic, Galinhada is bursting with bold, earthy flavors from marinated chicken, smoky sausage, and aromatic spices all simmered together in one hearty, golden-hued pot of rice. Perfect for weeknight family dinners or festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients
  

  • For the marinade:1 onion peeled3 garlic cloves, peeled½ cup fresh parsley1 tablespoon ground turmeric1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar½ cup olive oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  •  
  • For the galinhada:1½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces1 teaspoon olive oil2 calabresa sausages (about 4 oz), sliced (or substitute kielbasa or chorizo)1 onion, chopped1 large carrot, finely diced½ cup white wine2½ cups chicken broth1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed2 bay leaves2 Roma tomatoes, choppedSalt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste¼ cup chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Blend the marinade ingredients (onion, garlic, parsley, turmeric, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper) in a food processor until smooth.
  2. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and brown them for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add the marinated chicken (reserve leftover marinade) to the pot and lightly brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and carrot for about 5 minutes until softened and caramelized.
  6. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  8. Stir in the rinsed rice, tomatoes, bay leaves, reserved marinade, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. A little bit of liquid remaining is normal.
  9. Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  10. Fluff the rice, stir in chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even cooking and to prevent the rice from sticking.
Calabresa sausage brings a smoky kick, but kielbasa or chorizo works just as well.
This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

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