Chicken Pirão

Name: Chicken Pirão
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup of uncooked white rice; 2 large tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup of chicken broth; salt and pepper to taste

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30 minTotal time

EasyDifficulty

338kcal / serving

Ingredients

For 1 serving

servings

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup of uncooked white rice
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cup of chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient substitutions

Chicken breast Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into similar-sized pieces
Chicken broth An equal amount of vegetable broth
White rice An equal amount of long-grain white rice
Fresh tomatoes An equal amount of canned chopped tomatoes, drained

Nutrition per serving

Estimated values for 1 serving, 338 kcal

Protein21 g

Carbohydrates49 g

Fat5 g

Fiber 3 g · Sugar 4 g · Sodium 650 mg

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A traditional Brazilian stew made with chicken, rice, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.

Main Dish Brazilian

Steps

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, fry the chicken in a bit of oil until lightly browned.
Add the garlic and onion to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the rice and tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook for another 3 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Serve hot.

Tips for Chicken Pirão

A good finished pirão is thick and spoonable, with tender rice and little free broth; it will continue to thicken as it stands.
Use a saucepan with a snug lid to help the rice cook evenly, and check the bottom more often near the end to prevent sticking.
Let the dish rest briefly before serving so the remaining liquid settles into the rice; loosen it with a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

Drink pairing

A crisp, unoaked white wine like Vinho Verde
Its bright acidity complements the savory chicken, tomato, and rice without weighing down the stew.

0% option: Sparkling water with lime

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot, adding a little broth if needed to loosen the rice.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell when the rice is done?

Taste a few grains: they should be tender throughout, with no firm center. The mixture should be thick, with most of the broth absorbed.

Why did my pirão turn out too thick?

The rice keeps absorbing liquid as it sits. Stir in a small splash of broth until it reaches a soft, spoonable consistency.

Can I make this ahead?

It is best freshly made, but you can prepare it earlier and refrigerate it promptly. The rice will firm up, so add broth while reheating until steaming hot.