Mouth-Watering Brazilian Chicken Recipe for Dinner Tonight
Picture this. It’s a warm summer evening and you’re in the mood for something fresh, flavorful and healthy. Brazilian Chicken with Green Pepper and Herb Salad is just what you need! As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I can tell you that this dish is perfect for any night of the week.
My mouth waters just thinking about it. Tender grilled chicken, juicy green peppers, and a salad bursting with herbs like mint, flat-leaf parsley, and cilantro. This recipe takes “boring” out of chicken salad and replaces it with bold flavors from South America.
But wait – there’s more! A tangy dressing made with fresh lime juice and brown sugar glazes over the chicken, elevating the already delicious dish to the next level.
The ingredients are simple yet smartly chosen for maximum flavor. Fresh scallions enhance the zesty taste while garlic cloves and ground coriander add depth to this palate-pleasing recipe.
This Brazilian chicken with green pepper and herb salad is not just flavorful; It’s also healthy since it’s protein-packed and filled with healthy greens.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular addition to your meal rotation – perfect as leftovers or as a quick after work dinner. Get ready to travel to Brazil through taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a recipe that will take your taste buds on a culinary journey? Look no further than Brazilian chicken with green pepper and herb salad! This dish is bursting with flavors that will have you begging for seconds.
First off, the chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of fresh lime juice, dark brown sugar, garlic cloves, ground coriander, and paprika. This combination creates a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that will make your mouth water.
Next, the green pepper and herb salad are the perfect complement to the grilled chicken. The freshness of the mint, flat leaf parsley, cilantro, and scallion mixed in with the tangy lime juice balance out the flavors of the dish. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Not only is this dish flavorful, it’s full of healthy ingredients too. Skinless chicken breasts paired with fresh herbs and spices make for a nutritious meal. Plus, the green peppers add an extra dose of Vitamin C.
So why should you choose this Brazilian chicken with green pepper and herb salad recipe? Because taste matters! When you’re looking for a meal that is both delicious and healthy, this recipe delivers. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to impress dinner guests or simply enjoy a flavorful meal at home.
Ingredient List
For the Chicken Marinade:
– 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
– ¼ cup fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 2 garlic cloves, crushed
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Green Pepper and Herb Salad:
– 1 green pepper
– 1 red pepper
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– A small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped
– A small handful of cilantro leaves, finely chopped
– A small handful of mint leaves, finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Brazilian Chicken Sauce:
– 1 cup flat leaf parsley and cilantro (about half of each)
– 12 aji peppers stemmed and seeded
– 4 Jalapeños stemmed and seeded
– 2 garlic cloves crushed
– Juice of one lime
– Salt to taste
Let’s Start Cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s prepare the Brazilian Chicken with Green Pepper and Herb Salad. Follow the steps below for a delicious meal:
Step 1: Make the marinade
First, we need to make the marinade for the chicken. In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, juice of 2 limes, 2 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Add in 1 teaspoon of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Using a meat tenderizer, pound 4 skinless chicken breasts until they are about ½ inch thick or opt for chicken thighs if you prefer a more tender texture. After that, add the chicken into the marinade we prepared earlier, toss to coat evenly and leave for at least an hour or overnight.
Step 3: Grill the chicken
When ready to cook, heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Lightly oil your grill grates or pan using a brush or spray with non-stick oil spray. Then, place the marinated chicken on top and grill for about 10-12 minutes per side or until it is cooked through.
Step 4: Make the green pepper and herb salad
While waiting for the chicken to cook, prepare your green pepper and herb salad by mixing in a medium bowl 1 cup of flat-leaf parsley, cilantro, and mint, roughly chopped. Add in 1 finely sliced scallion, one stemmed seed green pepper that has been sliced into thin strips (don’t forget to remove seeds) and also one stemmed seeded red pepper. Drizzle with fresh lime juice of 1 lime and about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with kosher salt flakes, freshly ground pepper and some crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy taste.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
When the chicken is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into pieces. Arrange the chicken on a plate alongside the green pepper and herb salad. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and serve it warm or at room temperature with some bread or rice as a complement. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Brazilian Chicken with Green Pepper and Herb Salad!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling adventurous and looking to mix things up in the kitchen? This recipe is versatile and can accommodate a range of substitutions and variations that will excite your taste buds. Here are some ideas for tweaks and changes.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of chicken breast, you can try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. They’re more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts which can sometimes be dry. You could also swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
In the green herb salad, you could switch up the herbs by using more mint or cilantro instead of parsley, or add some basil or oregano for a different flavor profile. If green peppers aren’t your thing, red or yellow bell peppers will work just as well. And if you like your greens with a little heat, why not add some crushed red pepper flakes?
For the chicken marinade, you could try adding some cumin or smoked paprika for a spicier kick. If you want to go all out with the Brazilian vibe, use aji peppers instead of jalapenos. Alternatively, if you prefer something sweeter, replace the dark brown sugar with honey.
If you’re looking for new serving suggestions, this Brazilian chicken would be delicious served over rice or quinoa cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor. You could also serve it alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or with a side of Brazilian potato salad.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and dips to complement your meal. A hot red pepper sauce or herb sauce made from blended fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley are excellent options that will take this dish to the next level.
With these substitutions and variations, you’ll have endless possibilities to add your own creative touch to this already tasty recipe!
Serving and Pairing
I don’t know about you, but for me, there’s nothing quite like a well-complemented meal. A delicious dish like Brazilian Chicken with Green Pepper and Herb Salad deserves an equally fantastic pairing! Here are a few ideas to help your meal reach its full potential:
Firstly, this dish pairs excellently with rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice. The fluffy texture of rice is perfect to soak up the flavorful green pepper herb sauce that accompanies the chicken. Not only that, but it also creates a healthy and fulfilling meal.
Secondly, consider trying it with some steamed vegetables or a side salad for extra greens. I recommend anything from sautéed kale in olive oil to oven-roasted sweet potatoes.
For those who prefer homemade meals, making Brazilian-style potato salad will go perfectly with this dish as it is an essential staple of Brazilian cuisine. This would create a combination of creaminess and freshness that perfectly pairs with the herbed chicken.
Lastly, All this goodness makes me excited about sipping something alongside the food too! A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc will ideally complement this dish., If cocktails are more your style, make sure to try a classic Brazilian cocktail named Caipirinha made from lime and pineapple juice mixed with cachaça (Brazilian brandy).
Whatever you decide to pair this dish with it won’t disappoint because it’s bursting with plenty of flavors on its own!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Brazilian chicken recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for a dinner party. Once the chicken is cooked and the green pepper and herb salad is prepared, you can store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a microwave-safe dish for approximately 2-3 minutes on high heat.
When ready to serve, add the green pepper and herb salad to a platter or individual serving plates and arrange the reheated chicken on top. Drizzle any remaining juices or sauce from the chicken over the top for added flavor.
If you have leftovers, they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating leftovers, be sure to heat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that they are safe to eat.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a delicious meal ahead of time with minimal effort required when it comes time to serve. It’s also great for meal prep as you can easily store portions for lunch or dinner throughout the week without sacrificing taste or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking Brazilian Chicken With Green Pepper and Herb Salad Recipe can be a challenging task, especially if you’re not familiar with Brazilian cuisine. To help make your dish better, here are some tips to get perfect results:
1. Marinate the chicken
Marinating chicken in the right mixture of spices and acids can improve its flavor and texture. For this Brazilian Chicken recipe, use lime juice, olive oil, garlic, coriander, paprika, and brown sugar for at least 30 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and add a tangy taste.
2. Use fresh herbs
Using fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and mint can enhance the dish’s flavor and aroma. Be sure to chop the herbs finely before adding them to the green pepper salad or herb sauce.
3. Season liberally
Do not be shy when it comes to seasoning your chicken or salad ingredients with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. These two ingredients are essential in bringing out the dish’s flavor, so don’t skimp on them.
4. Grill or roast the chicken
For best results, grill or roast the chicken instead of frying it. Grilling will add a smoky flavor to the meat while roasting will provide a crispy exterior while keeping the insides juicy.
5. Let it rest
Allowing your cooked chicken to rest for five to ten minutes after taking it out of heat is essential in keeping its juices intact. Cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the salad.
6. Serve chilled
For the green pepper and herb salad, chill all ingredients (including peppers) beforehand for optimum freshness.”
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Brazilian chicken with green pepper and herb salad recipe is a must-try for fans of both American and Brazilian cuisine. With its flavorful marinade, tender chicken breast, and fresh herb salad, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special event. Plus, with the versatility to tailor the recipe to your preferences, you can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your taste buds.
So why not test out this recipe in your kitchen today? I guarantee that once you take a bite of this delicious Brazilian chicken with green pepper and herb salad, you will be transported to the vibrant streets of Brazil. So go ahead and indulge yourself in the rich flavors of Brazilian cuisine with this mouthwatering dish – you won’t regret it!
Brazilian Chicken With Green Pepper and Herb Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons hot red pepper sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley
- 2 bay leaves, bruised
- 2 limes, juice of, only
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- sea salt
- fresh ground black pepper
For the salad
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon green hot pepper sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- mixed salad green
- 2 green peppers
- 1 bunch scallion, sliced
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the marinade together in a food processor and whiz to a smooth paste.
- Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes in the chicken and place in an ovenproof dish. Cover with the marinade and set aside for 30 minutes.
- Shake off any excess marinade and cook on a hot griddle plate for about 10 minutes, until cooked through.
- To make the green pepper salad, whisk together the sugar, green pepper sauce and lime juice in a large bowl, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Stir in the herbs. Add the salad leaves, green peppers and scallions and toss gently together.
- Serve the chicken straight from the griddle, with a generous pile of salad.
Add Your Own Notes
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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.