When the aroma of fresh baked goods fills the kitchen, it’s impossible not to feel a wave of comfort wash over me. That’s exactly how I felt when I first tried making a Brazilian Chicken Pie. A delightful fusion of savory shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry, this dish whispers warmth on chilly evenings and brings smiles to family gatherings.
While scrolling through recipes online, I stumbled upon this gem that promised both ease and incredible flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I discovered it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a solution for those nights when fast food just won’t cut it. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something hearty, this Brazilian Chicken Pie has got you covered.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will transform your dinner routine and leave your taste buds dancing!
Why is Brazilian Chicken Pie a Must-Try?
Comforting and satisfying, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.
Simplicity at its heart, you only need a few ingredients and a bit of love to create this delicious meal.
Unique flavors shine through with a rich blend of chicken and creamy cheese that dances on your palate.
Versatile as it is, feel free to customize the filling, making it suitable for any occasion.
Time-saving prep means you’ll have a delightful homemade meal on the table in just 65 minutes!
Gather your loved ones and enjoy this crowd-pleasing gem that is sure to bring happiness to your dinner table!
Brazilian Chicken Pie Ingredients
• Discover the essential components for crafting this delightful dish!
For the Filling
• Chicken breast – a tender base that provides protein and flavor.
• Bouillon chicken cube – adds depth to the chicken while cooking, enhancing overall taste.
• Tomato paste – contributes a rich, savory note to the filling; feel free to adjust for taste.
• Olive oil – ideal for sautéing, infusing the dish with a warm, inviting aroma.
• Garlic cloves – minced for a robust flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Small onion – chopped to enhance the sweetness and richness of the filling.
• Requeijão or catupiry cheese – creamy elements that bring luxurious texture to your Brazilian Chicken Pie.
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – the foundation for your flaky crust, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Egg – helps bind the dough while adding richness; one egg is all you need!
• Margarine – provides moisture for a perfectly flaky crust; can also be substituted for butter.
• Salt – a crucial ingredient to elevate all the flavors, balancing the dough just right.
• Egg yolk – reserved for egg wash, creating a beautiful golden finish on your pie.
Now that you have all the Brazilian Chicken Pie ingredients, let’s get cooking and turn your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness!
How to Make Brazilian Chicken Pie
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Cook the Chicken: In a pot, place the chicken breast, bouillon cube, and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste in water. Boil until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool slightly.
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Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces for the filling.
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Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until lightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.
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Add Chicken to Skillet: Stir in the shredded chicken, mixing it well with the onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
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Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the mixture, cooking for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated.
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Mix in Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the requeijão or catupiry cheese until fully melted and mixed into the chicken filling. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all dough ingredients (except egg yolk) and knead for about a minute until incorporated. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon of milk to help it come together.
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Divide the Dough: Split the dough into two parts, keeping one piece slightly larger than the other for the base.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the pie.
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Roll Out the Base Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough to fit your 9inX9in (23cmX23cm) baking dish, leaving about a 1/2 inch (1cm) overhang.
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Assemble the Filling: Spread the chicken filling evenly over the rolled-out dough in the baking dish.
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Cover with Top Dough: Roll out the smaller piece of dough and gently place it over the filling to create a top crust.
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Seal the Edges: Gently press the edges of the bottom and top dough together to seal in the delicious filling.
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Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of the pie with egg yolk for that perfect golden-brown finish before baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pie crust is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brazilian Chicken Pie?
As the warm, aromatic fragrance of the pie wafts through your home, it’s the perfect time to think about delightful sides that will enhance your meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with cherry tomatoes and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
- Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice sautéed in garlic and butter makes for a comforting and hearty side, soaking up the pie’s savory juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies, like carrots and bell peppers, add texture and sweetness, balancing out the flavors of the pie beautifully.
- Crispy French Fries: Offering a crunchy side, these can be dipped into the pie’s filling for an extra savory bite that kids will love.
- Creamy Coleslaw: This creamy, tangy slaw pairs well, cutting through the richness of the chicken pie and adding a nice crunch.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine complements the pie’s flavors, making it suitable for a cozy dinner or a gathering.
- Fruity Dessert: Finish your meal with a light dessert like a fruit tart, which refreshes the palate after the savory pie.
These pairings not only elevate the meal but create a lovely dining experience that’ll leave your family coming back for seconds!
Expert Tips for Brazilian Chicken Pie
Prep Chicken Properly: Make sure to cook the chicken breast until tender; overcooking can make it dry.
Mix Cheese Well: Ensure the requeijão or catupiry cheese is fully melted into the filling for a creamy texture that binds beautifully.
Seal Wisely: When sealing the dough edges, make sure to press firmly but gently to avoid leaks during baking.
Avoid Overworking Dough: Knead just enough to combine; over-kneading can make your pie crust tough instead of flaky.
Egg Wash Magic: Don’t skip the egg wash on the crust for that irresistible golden-brown finish on your Brazilian Chicken Pie!
Customize Filling: Feel free to add veggies or spices to the chicken filling for a unique twist that suits your taste!
Storage Tips for Brazilian Chicken Pie
- Room Temperature: Let the pie cool completely before storing; it can be left out for up to 2 hours.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for the best texture and flavor.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake frozen slices at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until heated through and the crust is crispy. Enjoy every bite of your Brazilian Chicken Pie!
Brazilian Chicken Pie Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations that will let your creativity shine and customize your pie experience!
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Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the filling for a fiery kick that elevates the flavors delightfully.
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, keeping the rest of the recipe for a fresh, hearty option.
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Cheesy Surprise: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the requeijão for an extra cheesy pull that everyone will love.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
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Sweet Touch: Add a handful of corn or peas to the chicken filling; their slight sweetness balances the savory elements beautifully.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds into the filling for a delightful textural contrast that adds sophistication.
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Curry Flavor: Mix in curry powder with the chicken for a fragrant and exotic twist that transports you right to Brazil!
Experimenting with these variations not only makes each pie unique but allows you to tailor it to any occasion or taste preference. Enjoy the journey of creating your perfect Brazilian Chicken Pie!
Make Ahead Options
Getting a head start with your Brazilian Chicken Pie can save you precious time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance; simply cook and shred the chicken, then combine it with the sautéed onion, garlic, and cheese. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its flavors and freshness. The dough can also be made ahead—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just roll out the dough, assemble the pie, apply the egg wash, and bake it as instructed. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this comforting dish with minimal evening fuss!
Brazilian Chicken Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! A boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this creamy filling, as it’s tender and easily shreds. If you’re looking for a more flavorful option, you can also use cooked rotisserie chicken; just ensure to remove any skin and bones.
How should I store leftover Brazilian Chicken Pie?
Very good question! Once your pie has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crust’s flakiness, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 15-20 minutes, which will keep it warm and delightful!
Can I freeze Brazilian Chicken Pie?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn and ensures great flavor. You can store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if the dough is too dry?
If your dough is feeling too dry while kneading, just add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until you get the right consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Make sure to knead it gently and only for a minute; overworking can lead to a tough crust!
Are there any dietary considerations to be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re serving this dish to guests with dietary restrictions, consider using alternative cheese options like dairy-free cream cheese. For those with gluten sensitivities, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly!
What are some common troubleshooting tips for making Brazilian Chicken Pie?
If your pie crust isn’t browning as expected, make sure to brush it well with egg wash before baking. If it still looks pale after baking, you can pop it under the broiler for an additional minute — just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning! Additionally, if your filling leaks, make sure you’ve sealed the dough edges firmly to keep all those delicious flavors tucked inside.
Savory Brazilian Chicken Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Await!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a pot, place the chicken breast, bouillon cube, and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste in water. Boil until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool slightly.
- Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces for the filling.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until lightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, mixing it well with the onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the mixture, cooking for another 2 minutes until well combined.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the requeijão or catupiry cheese until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine all dough ingredients (except egg yolk) and knead for about a minute until incorporated.
- Split the dough into two parts, keeping one piece slightly larger than the other for the base.
- Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to preheat.
- Roll out the larger portion of dough to fit your 9x9 baking dish, leaving about a 1/2 inch overhang.
- Spread the chicken filling evenly over the rolled-out dough in the baking dish.
- Roll out the smaller piece of dough and gently place it over the filling.
- Gently press the edges of the bottom and top dough together to seal.
- Brush the top of the pie with egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pie crust is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbling.