Brazilian Chicken Pirão — Creamy Cassava Flour Porridge
Pirão is one of Brazil's most beloved comfort foods: tender shredded chicken simmered in a savory broth, then thickened with cassava flour to a smooth and velvety porridge. It's hearty, naturally gluten-free, and budget-friendly — a true crowd-pleaser.
🛒 Ingredients
10 servings
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- salt to taste
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- fresh parsley, chopped
- chives, sliced
- cassava flour (farinha de mandioca)
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Directions
- 1
Cook the chicken breasts in a pot of salted water until fully cooked and tender. Set the cooking broth aside — do not discard it.
- 2
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks and set aside.
- 3
In a pan, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a drizzle of oil until golden. Add the diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, and bouillon cube. Stir and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- 4
Bring the reserved broth to a boil in a large pot.
- 5
In a bowl, mix the cassava flour with a small amount of cold water until smooth and lump-free.
- 6
Pour the chicken sauce into the boiling broth and stir to combine.
- 7
Gradually add the cassava flour mixture, stirring constantly, until the pirão reaches a creamy, soft porridge-like consistency.
- 8
Adjust salt, garnish with parsley and chives, and serve hot.
💡 Chef's Tip
Add the cassava flour slowly — the ideal texture is similar to soft polenta, smooth but not stiff. Cassava flour can be found in Brazilian, African, or Latin American grocery stores.
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Same category — Poultry
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