Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Brazil! This mouthwatering Brazilian Chicken and Sausage recipe is not just a meal – it's an experience that combines rich, hearty flavors with a perfect blend of tender chicken, spicy sausage, and a robust tomato-based sauce that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice the onion, mince garlic, and chop bell pepper into uniform pieces.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken thighs to the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and developing a crisp exterior. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized, then remove and set aside with chicken.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté chopped onions in remaining oil, cooking until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, stirring to combine with vegetables and scraping any browned bits from the pan bottom.
- Return chicken thighs and sausage to the pan, nestling them into the tomato and vegetable mixture.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 35-40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Check internal temperature of chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, preferably over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Meat Preparation: For maximum flavor, let your chicken thighs and sausage sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and develop a better sear.
- Pan Selection Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning. Cast iron works wonderfully for this recipe.
- Searing Technique: Don't rush the searing process. Allow your chicken and sausage to develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in flavor and creates delicious caramelized bits.
- Flavor Boosting: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan after searing the meats.
- Low and Slow: The key to tender, fall-apart chicken is cooking on low heat. Be patient during the simmering process to allow flavors to meld together.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with Brazilian-style rice, fluffy white rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 457kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
