Delicious Brazilian Chicken and Rice Recipe with Olives
Picture yourself lounging on the picturesque beaches of Rio de Janeiro, sun-kissed and feeling the cool ocean breeze in your hair. Now, imagine indulging in a delicious Brazilian feast – this is where I come in. As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I have brought to you the ultimate recipe of Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives.
This dish is a classic Brazilian recipe called Galinhada that is popular in various regions of Brazil. A one-pot meal combining chicken, yellow rice mix, olives, and fresh cilantro; it’s hearty, aromatic, and perfect for any occasion.
With this recipe, I’ll take you on a culinary journey towards the exotic flavors of Brazil without leaving your kitchen. Trust me when I say that your taste buds are going to thank you for giving them the pleasure of savoring this mouthwatering dish! So let’s get started on this incredible gastronomic adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all chicken and rice lovers! Are you looking for a savory and wholesome meal that can take you around the world? Look no further than my Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives recipe. This recipe is a gem that combines the bold flavors of Brazil with the familiar comfort of American cuisine.
What makes this recipe so unique is the use of fresh cilantro and yellow rice mix, which add a vibrant and earthy flavor to your dish. The subtly sweet taste of the rice combined with the tender chicken thigh pieces creates a harmony that will make your taste buds dance.
But what about those olives in the recipe? Don’t be hesitant to add them in. They bring a briny saltiness to each bite while still balancing out the sweetness from the orange juice in the dish. It’s truly a winning combination that will make you feel like you’re dining al fresco at a picturesque Brazilian café.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also one-pot meal saving you time on cleanup. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend family meal with loved ones.
Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or looking for something new, you won’t be disappointed with my Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives recipe. So gather your ingredients, invite your friends over, and get ready to take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey through Brazil!
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients we need for this flavorful Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives recipe. Don’t forget to check your pantry to make sure you have everything you need on hand!
Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 package (11 ounces or 300 grams) of yellow rice mix
- 1 seasoning packet for the rice (usually provided in the rice mix)
- 1 cup of water
- Juice of half an orange
- ½ cup of pitted and sliced green olives
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Make sure to use boneless skinless chicken thighs to make the recipe easier and neater. The garlic will add some depth and pungency to the dish. The olives give it a nice saltiness and sour tanginess that complements the sweetness from the orange juice. The combination makes your taste buds sing! You can customize your olives preferences depending on your taste but green olives are recommended in this dish.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation
Start by peeling and chopping 2 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Next, cut 11 ounces (300 grams) of chicken thigh or breast into small pieces or thin strips. You can use boneless chicken as well. Add the chicken to the skillet and lightly brown for 3 minutes, turning occasionally.
In the meantime, bring 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of orange juice to a boil in a saucepan. Add a package of yellow rice mix seasoning and a few strands of saffron to the water mixture and stir well.
Once the chicken is browned, add the rice seasoning mixture to the skillet and continue cooking for another minute or two, stirring frequently.
Now add one can of pitted green olives, drained and rinsed, and stir them into the chicken-rice mix.
Pour the rice and chicken mixture into a microwave-safe container or an oven-safe dish.
Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cover the dish with foil or a tight-fitting lid and bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked.
Stove Method
Alternatively, you can use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook your Brazilian Chicken & Rice with Olives. Return your pan to medium heat; add remaining water; bring it back to a boil; then decrease heat to medium-low, cover with a lid tightly closed, and cook for about 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
Whether using an oven or stove method, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves before serving.
Now your delicious Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives is ready for you to enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to put your own spin on this dish, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can be made. Experiment to find your own unique flavor combination!
One simple variation would be to use brown rice instead of yellow rice mix. This will give the dish a nuttier and slightly chewier texture, as well as provide an element of whole-grain goodness.
For those who aren’t partial to olives, green beans make for a suitable substitution. Their mild flavor profile will pair well with the rest of the ingredients in this recipe. Simply mixed in with the rice before serving, they’ll add a bit of crunch and freshness to the dish.
If you’re looking for a protein alternative, consider using shredded chicken breast instead of chicken thigh. It’s lighter in taste and texture, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a healthier option.
To add some heat to the recipe, try incorporating chili pepper flakes or fresh jalapenos during the cooking process. This will create a spicy and flavorful twist that will bring an extra level of excitement to your plate.
Finally, if you’re feeling creative, add some fried garlic to the dish just before serving. The crispy bits will add an irresistible crunch while infusing your creation with a lovely garlicky taste that even vampires won’t be able to resist.
Regardless of what substitutions you choose, this Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives Recipe is versatile enough to accommodate nearly any modification that suits your fancy!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives is ready, it’s time to think about serving and pairing. This hearty one-pot meal can be served all by itself or you can add some additional side dishes based on your preference.
When it comes to serving this dish, I recommend letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking so the flavors can meld together nicely. Once you’re ready to eat, you can either serve the dish hot or at room temperature. If you’re serving a large group of people, I suggest transferring the chicken and rice mixture into a serving dish and let everyone help themselves from there.
When it comes to pairings, you can serve Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives alongside some fresh salad greens or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the rice and chicken. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would complement the citrus notes in this meal wonderfully. Alternatively, if you prefer red wine, try pairing it with a medium-bodied wine like Pinot Noir.
Overall, Brazilian Chicken and Rice with Olives is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. It’s a warm and hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking to simplify your meal prep, this Brazilian Chicken and Rice With Olives Recipe is perfect for making ahead. The best part? It reheats beautifully!
To make ahead, follow the recipe as directed and let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors of this dish will only deepen and intensify with time, so don’t hesitate to make it a day or two ahead.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply transfer the dish to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
For an even crispier texture, you can also reheat this dish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), place the chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply transfer to an airtight container and reheat as directed.
This make-ahead Brazilian Chicken and Rice With Olives Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. Enjoy it hot out of the microwave or oven for a delicious and flavorful meal every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I have made this Brazilian chicken and rice with olives recipe many times, and I want to share with you some tips for getting perfect results every time you make it. These tips will help you improve your cooking skills and impress your friends and family with a delicious one-pot meal that is flavorful, healthy, and easy to prepare.
Tip #1: Use Fresh Ingredients
To get the best flavor and texture, always use fresh ingredients, especially garlic cloves, cilantro, and lemon juice. These ingredients are essential in Brazilian cuisine and bring a unique flavor to the dish that is hard to achieve with dried or old ingredients. Make sure to buy fresh chicken thighs or breasts if possible, as they are the main protein source of the dish.
Tip #2: Sauté Chicken Lightly
Before adding chicken to the pot with rice, sauté it lightly with garlic peel in olive oil until it is lightly browned for about 3 minutes. This step will enhance the flavor of the chicken and create a crispy texture that contrasts well with the soft rice. If you are using shredded chicken, just skip this step and add it directly to the pot after boiling the rice.
Tip #3: Follow The Cooking Steps Carefully
This recipe is straightforward, but it requires following each step carefully to get perfect results. For example, after adding water and orange juice to the pot mixed with rice seasoning packet and olives, bring it to a boil. Then return the olives into the pot when everything boils before reducing heat to medium-low and covering it tightly. When cooking at low heat in a covered pot, make sure not to lift the lid too often as it will release steam and extend cooking time.
Tip #4: Let The Rice Rest
Once your Brazilian chicken and rice with olives recipe is cooked for about 30 minutes on low heat, turn off the heat and let it rest for another 10 minutes without lifting the lid. This step will allow the rice to absorb all the flavors and moisture and make it fluffy and aromatic.
Tip #5: Garnish with Fresh Cilantro
Before serving, garnish your Brazilian chicken and rice with olives recipe with fresh chopped cilantro to brighten up the color and add a fresh herbaceous flavor. It is a classic Brazilian herb that is often used in many other dishes as well, such as feijoada, moqueca, or churrasco.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to cook a perfect Brazilian-style one-pot meal that combines savory chicken and rice with tangy olives, orange juice, garlic, and cilantro. Enjoy your dinner like you’re in Brazil!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, my friends. A delicious and easy-to-make Brazilian Chicken and Rice With Olives recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. This is a one-pot meal that can satisfy any food lover’s craving for something hearty and flavorful.
The combination of garlic-infused chicken, savory yellow rice mix, and tangy green olives create an explosion of flavors in your mouth. You can taste the tradition and culture of Brazil in every bite.
What makes this recipe unique is its versatility. You can substitute chicken thigh with shredded chicken breast or add lemon juice to enhance the dish’s flavor even further. Plus, it’s also perfect for serving as a healthy dinner recipe or as a main course at a family gathering.
With these amazing ingredients at hand, there’s no doubt that this dish has everything you need for an unforgettable mealtime experience. So the next time you’re craving something special and belly-filling, give this Brazilian Chicken and Rice With Olives Recipe a try, and you won’t regret it.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for an authentic Brazilian experience without leaving their home. Don’t wait any longer; add these ingredients to your kitchen pantry today and start cooking up some Brazilian magic!
Brazilian Chicken and Rice With Olives Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thigh, skinless, boneless, cut in 1 inch strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup yellow rice mix, with seasoning packet
- 1/2 cup pimento stuffed olive, packed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- orange wedge
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, add orange peel and garlic, saute in oil over moderately low heat until lightly browned.
- add 1 cup water and the orange juice and bring to a boil.
- Add in yellow rice and seasoning packet and olives, return to a boil.
- Turn down heat to medium low and cover. Cook about 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir cilantro into rice mixture and garnish with orange wedges.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.