Churrasco de Frango
Churrasco de Frango or Brazilian grilled chicken is a classic dish deeply embedded in the culinary culture of Brazil. The dish is known for its juicy, flavor-packed, and succulent chicken, grilled over hot coals to perfection. The process of cooking the chicken involves marinating the chicken with a variety of herbs and spices before grilling it over charcoal.
The origins of churrasco trace back to the Spanish and Portuguese colonization of South America, carried on by indigenous populations. The indigenous tribe used to cook meats on wood fire, which was later adopted by the Portuguese and Spanish. Today, churrasco has become a popular dish not only in Brazil but also all over the world.
The preparation of churrasco de frango or Brazilian grilled chicken involves a special marinade that sets it apart from other grilled chicken dishes. The marinade comprises a mix of herbs, spices, and seasonings, along with citrus juices or vinegar that works as a tenderizer. The marinade is made up of garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, and oregano, and sometimes soy sauce, lemon juice, or vinegar is added for a tangy taste.
The chicken is then marinated in the mix for about 30 minutes to two hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate into the chicken. After marinating, the chicken is sliced into cuts and skewered using wood kebab sticks for easy turning while grilling.
The grilling of the chicken is crucial and requires the right technique to achieve that juicy, flavorful, and well-charred texture. The grilling process involves using charcoal or wood fire, allowing it to heat sufficiently before adding the skewered chicken. The chicken is then grilled for about ten to fifteen minutes, with the cook turning it regularly to ensure even cooking.
The heat of the grill and the smoke flavor from the charcoal or wood chips give the chicken an irresistible taste and aroma. The Brazilian grilled chicken is known for its distinct charred appearance, and it’s usually served with a variety of sides ranging from salads, grilled vegetables, and rice.
In Brazil, churrasco de frango is a common dish served at barbecues, street food vendors, and restaurants. It is a dish that brings people together, and the grilled chicken is usually enjoyed with friends, family, and colleagues, especially during festive celebrations.
Churrasco de frango is a dish that offers a unique blend of flavors that brings out the best in chicken. Its distinctive taste, aroma, and texture make it a sought-after dish, and it’s easy to see why people all over the globe love it. With the right technique, anybody can make churrasco de frango at home and enjoy the delicious and succulent taste of Brazilian grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken breasts into 2-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika. Mix well.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
- When ready to cook, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the chicken cubes onto metal or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 20 minutes.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through and lightly charred on all sides.
- In a small saucepan, combine the bay leaf, white wine, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and let simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Drizzle the sauce over the grilled chicken skewers and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!