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Brazilian Chicken and Rice (Galinhada)
There are countless ways to make galinhada, or Brazilian chicken and rice. Our version is inspired by the galinhada taught to us by Paola Stephan, a home cook in São Paulo. The fond that forms on the bottom of the pot at the start of cooking is key for developing flavor in the dish, so allow it to build up before deglazing with water. At that point, be sure to vigorously scrape the pot to loosen the bits. We follow Stephan’s lead and introduce tomatoes at two different times: some are cooked into the rice for color and intensity, while the rest are added at the very end for fresh, juicy notes. If corn is in season, use freshly cut kernels (you’ll need one medium ear). Out of season, frozen is fine.
6
Servings
Tip
Don’t forget to rinse and drain the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch so the grains cook up fluffy and separate. After removing the pot from the heat, be sure to allow the rice to stand, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the moisture to distribute evenly throughout.
1 hour 10 minutes
50 minutes active
Ingredients
-
2
pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1- to 1½-inch pieces
-
1¾
teaspoons ground turmeric, divided
Directions
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01In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1¼ teaspoons turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; let stand 15 minutes. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the chicken in an even layer and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, the remaining ½ teaspoon turmeric and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until well-browned drippings have formed on the pot, about 2 minutes.
Reviews
September 13, 2026
Colorful and tasty one-pot meal.
I’ve made this twice. It’s an especially tasty and colorful chicken and rice dish. I love one-pot meals. I add a roasted poblano chile, chopped or diced, with the tomatoes and water in Step 2. I add a roasted poblano to all my chicken and rice dishes, including Arroz con Pollo. It just gives the flavor a boost. Try it. Also, you may want to make more of the fresh tomato salsa to spoon on top. The contrast between the bright, acidic fresh tomato and the chicken and rice is wonderful. You’ll want more than one cup for 6 servings.
April 26, 2025
For ease and flavor
This is just a version of chicken and rice. It was really good though. All in one pot easy and fast and just comforting and delicious. Season sufficiently along the way and I found a little additional acid (lime) aside from what is in tomato topping instruction made it pop. Enjoyable easy dinner.
July 9, 2025
brown vs white rice
Can you share the cook time difference if I were to use brown rather than white rice?
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