Chicken Chorizo Feijoada

The good news is this delicious Chicken Chorizo Feijoada recipe is low-carb excluding extras, nut-free, egg-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Feijoada (fay-ZHWA-dah) is a traditional Brazilian stew made with black beans and a variety of meats, typically pork and/or beef. It’s often considered the national dish of Brazil and is enjoyed during festive gatherings and celebrations. In our variation, we substitute some of the traditional meats with chicken, adding a lighter touch while maintaining the rich and hearty essence of the dish.

Some versions of feijoada are spicy due to the sausages, while others are mild. Some are thick and require a fork, while others are similar to a traditional stew. It’s traditional to serve this stew with white rice and sautéed collard greens.

It’s a freezer-friendly meal that’s easy to make and universally appealing (excluding vegetarians, of course). Depending on the extra ingredients added, it can be considered a fairly low-cost or perhaps a budget-friendly dinner.

What’s To Love?

💕 Feijoada is perfect for feeding a crowd. It can be made in large quantities and is often even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.
💕 Tastes as good as it looks with its vibrant and rich flavors.
💕 While the core ingredients are chicken, chorizo, and black beans, Feijoada can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
💕 There’s something inherently comforting about a steaming bowl of stew, and the addition of chorizo takes it to another level of coziness.
💕 This dish is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser with its bold flavors and rustic charm that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
💕 Feijoada is the epitome of comfort food and is perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty, home-cooked meal.
💕 Often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
💕 Feijoada is a hearty dish that is perfect for satisfying hungry tummies.

Have you already tried Chicken Chorizo Feijoada? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Feijoada Origin

Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish that has its roots in the Portuguese colonization period. The dish is believed to have originated from the culinary practices of enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples in Brazil. Originally, feijoada was a simple and affordable meal made by slaves using leftover pork trimmings and black beans that were slowly simmered to create a delicious and hearty stew.

Over time, feijoada evolved into a beloved national dish that became synonymous with Brazilian culture and identity. It transcended its humble beginnings and became a symbol of conviviality, often enjoyed during gatherings with family and friends, especially on weekends and holidays.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

• Chicken — use a mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks for best results.
• Chorizo — use spiced or unspiced chorizo.
• Onion — use red onion to add some natural sweetness.
• Garlic — adds a lot of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Oil — use rice bran oil because it can withstand high temperatures without turning rancid.
• Black Beans — they add a lovely earthy tone flavor.
• Peppers — use red bell pepper and green bell pepper to balance the sweetness.
• Tomatoes — use canned cherry tomatoes to add a rich and bold flavor.
• Tomato Puree — tomato puree is used purely to provide a beautiful, natural, deep red color.
• Chicken Stock — (broth) use chicken stock to compliment the chicken meat.
• Herbs and Spices — use oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt and pepper, and fresh chopped parsley for decor.

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Chicken — pork ribs, traditional sausages, bacon, and beef are good alternatives.
• Chorizo — we don’t recommend substituting chorizo simply because it’s traditional; but if you must, bacon or pancetta are good options.
• Onion — use white onions.
• Tomatoes — use two large freshly chopped beefy tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.
• Peppers — adding red peppers is okay.
• Stock — replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.

NOTE: We think chicken and beef provide the best texture and flavor. The chorizo also brings depth and complexity to the feijoada, infusing it with its distinctive smokiness and spicy flavor profile, so we suggest not substituting it.

Remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ when substituting ingredients, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Chicken Chorizo Feijoada with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Chicken Chorizo Feijoada is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ The first step is to heat the oil and brown the chicken. Once seared, set aside. Add the chopped onions to the now-empty pan and sauté for a few minutes or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine.

▶︎ Then stir in the sliced chorizo and cook for a few minutes until it starts to release its oils. Then add the tomatoes, bell peppers, herbs, and spices. Cook until the vegetables start to soften; this takes about 5 minutes.

▶︎ Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the black beans, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Stir occasionally, and add more broth if needed.

▶︎ Taste the feijoada and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

NOTE: To slow-cook the feijoada cook on low for 5-6 hours, which will help the flavors meld to perfection. This is a great way to cook because it doesn’t require any checking during cooking.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Chicken Chorizo Feijoada? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Frying Pan or a Slow Cooker
• Chopping Board – to chop the chorizo.
• Mini Chopper  – chop the onion, etc., or use a sharp knife.
• Garlic Press – or use the mini chopper.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
• Thermapen – is a great little tool for testing meat temperature.

If you love the gadgets used in this recipe, you’ll love this multi-slow cooker. It’s our go-to for many of our meats, one-post, and soup recipes, and we think every budding chef needs it.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Chicken Chorizo Feijoada is often eaten on its own, but can easily be paired with other foods. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ Fresh orange slices are a traditional accompaniment. They provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty feijoada. The citrusy sweetness of the oranges helps cut through the richness of the dish, cleansing the palate between bites.

▶︎ It’s traditional to serve this stew with white rice or Garlic Butter Rice. The fluffy rice provides a neutral base that absorbs and helps mop up the flavorful stew and adds a comforting element to the meal.

▶︎ Sautéed collard greens with garlic are a classic accompaniment to feijoada. Their slightly bitter flavor and tender texture contrast nicely with the richness of the stew.

▶︎ Cheesy bread rolls are a popular snack in Brazil and make a delicious accompaniment to feijoada.

▶︎ For afters, a cooling cheesecake such as this Baileys Cheesecake Ice Cream or a light dessert such as this No Bake Chia Seed Pudding will provide a sweet finish to this hearty meal.

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⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Chicken Chorizo Feijoada every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.