National Dish Brazil: Empada de Frango (Recipe)
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Say hello to Empada de Frango, one of Brazil’s most beloved little bites! These golden, crisp pastries hide a savoury filling of tender shredded chicken, and they are every bit as welcome at a festive buffet as they are during an afternoon football match. The contrast between the buttery crust and the well-seasoned chicken makes them seriously moreish — and once you have made a batch, you will understand why Brazilians can never stop at just one.
About Empada de Frango
Empada de Frango is a much-loved Brazilian snack made up of crisp little pastries filled with a hearty, savoury chicken mixture. These small treats are not only a popular nibble but also the perfect dish for celebrations and relaxed get-togethers alike. The interplay between the tender pastry and the spiced chicken turns Empada de Frango into a true delight — the sort of thing you simply have to try. Whether served as a snack during a football game or as part of a festive buffet, these pastries are always a hit.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g chicken breast fillet
- 150 g plain flour
- 75 g butter or margarine
- 1 egg
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When gathering your ingredients, head to a local supermarket or a specialist food shop to pick out fresh chicken and good-quality butter. Make sure the onion for the filling is fresh, as it is crucial to the final flavour. It is also worth having suitable baking tins to hand so you can shape and bake the pastries properly. A little care over your shopping really does pay off in the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Empada de Frango is straightforward and genuinely fun. Begin by cooking the chicken and shredding it into small pieces. While the chicken simmers, you can mix and prepare the pastry ingredients. Have everything ready to go so the whole process runs as smoothly as possible. Good preparation is the key to a perfect result, and it lets you work at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Step-by-step instructions
- Poach the chicken breast fillet in salted water until cooked through, then leave it to cool.
- Meanwhile, fry the finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until golden brown.
- Shred the chicken into small pieces and stir it into the onion and garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the pastry, combine the flour, butter and egg in a bowl and knead well until you have a smooth, even dough.
- Roll out the dough and shape small rounds ready to hold the filling.
- Spoon the chicken filling onto the pastry bases and top each one with a pastry lid.
- Bake the pastries at 180°C for around 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make Empada de Frango gluten-free, simply use a good gluten-free flour. This is essential for achieving a texture and taste close to the original recipe. Be sure to swap the butter for a lactose-free alternative as well, if needed. There are now plenty of excellent products on the market developed specifically for people with food intolerances, so no one need miss out on these crisp little pies.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegetarians and vegans do not have to go without Empada de Frango! For a vegan version, replace the chicken with soya or seitan, both of which are rich in protein. You could also use a mix of vegetables or pulses to create a nourishing, satisfying filling. Just remember to use plant-based fats in the pastry so the whole dish stays fully vegan. The result is every bit as comforting as the classic.
More tips and tricks
To create the perfect Empada de Frango, pay close attention to the pastry consistency. A well-kneaded dough should be soft and elastic. Experiment with different fillings — extra vegetables or spices, for example — to tailor the dish to your taste. A creative presentation can make the food even more appealing, so think about colourful sides and neatly arranged plates. Like the savoury Pastel, these little pies reward a bit of attention to detail.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Empada de Frango is a very adaptable dish that can be varied to suit personal preference. You might change the seasoning in the chicken to make a spicier or milder filling, for instance. You can also add different cheeses as an extra layer to refine the flavour profile. Playing around with ingredients turns cooking into a genuinely enjoyable and creative experience — much like the comforting Escondidinho de Carne Seca.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives you can turn to. Instead of chicken, you could use turkey or even fish. For the pastry, rice flour or oat flour can help you discover new flavours and textures. A little extra experimentation in the kitchen often leads to surprisingly delicious results, so do not be afraid to mix things up.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the Empada de Frango experience, give some thought to matching drinks. A cold beer or a refreshing lager complements the savoury flavours of the pastries beautifully. For an alcohol-free option, a fruity smoothie or a herbal tea makes a lovely accompaniment. The right choice of drink can lift your meal to a new level and add even more enjoyment to the occasion.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important role when serving Empada de Frango. Use colourful vegetable sides and fresh herbs to create a lovely contrast with the crisp pastries. Arranged on an attractive plate and served with a tasty dipping sauce, the dish becomes a real eye-catcher on any table. Do not forget that presenting the empadas on a wooden board lends a charming, rustic touch!
A bit of history
Empada de Frango has its roots in Brazilian culture and is often enjoyed as a quick, satisfying snack. These chicken pastries are made in many Brazilian households and are a firm part of the country’s food traditions. Such savoury pastries originally developed across many South American countries, but Brazil has given them its own distinctive style and a special character all their own. Empada de Frango is not only delicious but also a genuine piece of Brazilian cuisine and its gastronomic heritage.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empada de Frango
Empada de Frango is a fascinating dish that captures the connection between flavour and culture. These savoury chicken pastries are not only delicious but also wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt. Whether you prepare a traditional or a more modern version, Empada de Frango will always be a firm favourite. Give it a go and let the flavours of Brazil work their magic!
