
Brazilian Brothy Rice with Chicken, Roasted Corn and Turmeric with Crispy Cassava
An original Brazilian-inspired dish combining brothy rice with seared chicken, roasted corn, light coconut milk, fresh turmeric, and a toasted cassava crunch for texture. Comforting, fragrant, and full of tropical flavor.
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos medium)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 12 g garlic (chopped fino)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 220 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
- 150 g onion (chopped diced small)
- 120 g red bell pepper (chopped diced small)
- 10 g fresh turmeric (grated finely)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 200 g long-grain rice (enjuagado)
- 720 ml chicken broth (hot)
- 240 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes (cut por the mitad)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 60 g toasted cassava flour (for the crocante)
- 15 g butter (for the crocante)
- 2 g lime zest (for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 4 g (3/4 tsp) of the salt, the black pepper, half of the garlic, and the lime juice. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients.
- 2
2. Heat a large skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and the corn. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly charred in spots. Remove and set aside.
- 3
3. In the same pot, add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Brown the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until seared on the outside. It does not need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and reserve with its juices.
- 4
4. Reduce to medium heat and add the onion, red bell pepper, and remaining garlic. Cook for 4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the fresh turmeric and ground cumin, and cook 30 seconds more.
- 5
5. Add the rice and stir for 1 minute so it absorbs the flavors. Pour in the hot chicken broth and coconut milk, add the cherry tomatoes and the remaining 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and mix well.
- 6
6. Once the liquid comes to a gentle boil, return the chicken with its juices and half of the roasted corn. Cook over medium-low heat for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the rice is tender and the dish is brothy. The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
- 7
7. Meanwhile, make the cassava crunch. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the toasted cassava flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat and mix with the lime zest and 10 g (about 1/4 cup) chopped cilantro.
- 8
8. Adjust the texture of the brothy rice with a splash of extra hot broth or water if you want it looser. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 9
9. Serve the brothy rice in shallow bowls and finish with the remaining roasted corn, the rest of the cilantro, and the cassava crunch on top.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, let the corn char well before removing it. If you prefer a texture closer to a light risotto, stir the rice a bit more during cooking. Serve right away to keep the brothy consistency.
Substitutions
You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, though it will be less juicy. The toasted cassava flour can be replaced with toasted panko if you do not need a gluten-free version. If fresh turmeric is unavailable, use 1 tsp ground turmeric.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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