Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

BrazilianAuthentic Cuisine

Brasileiro Grilled Chicken Thighs

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Brasileiro Grilled Chicken Thighs

Brasileiro Grilled Chicken Thighs bring the warmth of a Brazilian home kitchen to your table. Traditionally prepared for casual gatherings or Sunday lunches, this dish embodies the relaxed yet flavorful spirit of Brazilian home cooking. The recipe reflects how Brazilian families truly cook, with salt measured by intuition and a generous hand with fat. It's about bringing people together over a meal that feels like home.

The thighs are marinated in yogurt and paprika, creating a tender and flavorful bite. The yogurt lends a subtle tang, while the paprika adds a gentle smokiness, balanced with just the right amount of salt and pepper. Each bite is juicy and satisfying, inviting you to savor the simplicity and depth of Brazilian flavors.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thighs
  • 2 tbspyogurt
  • 1 tbspoil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by patting the 800 g chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a good sear. Season the thighs generously with fine sea salt and black pepper, ensuring all sides are coated evenly. Sprinkle 1 tsp paprika over the chicken, rubbing it in to enhance the flavor and color.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Allow them to brown without moving for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and brown the other side for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring they develop a rich, caramelized color.
  3. Once both sides are browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp yogurt to the skillet, stirring it gently into the oil and chicken juices. This will create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken. Cook the chicken in this sauce for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The meat should feel firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when pierced.
  4. If the sauce seems too thin, increase the heat slightly to allow it to reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed, ensuring the flavors are balanced and vibrant.
  5. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors fully. Serve the Brasileiro Grilled Chicken Thighs hot, garnished with fresh herbs of your choice, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a burst of freshness.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Brazilian cuisine