Brazilian Creamy Corn and Hearts of Palm Rice with Lime Chicken, Sautéed Collards, and Crispy Cassava Crumble
Brazilian Food
Intermediate

Brazilian Creamy Corn and Hearts of Palm Rice with Lime Chicken, Sautéed Collards, and Crispy Cassava Crumble

An original main dish inspired by Brazilian flavors: creamy rice cooked with sweet corn, hearts of palm, and a touch of coconut milk, served with golden lime chicken, garlicky sautéed collards, and a toasted cassava crumble. Comforting, aromatic, and well balanced.

25 minPrep
35 minCook
60 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g boneless skinless chicken breast (cut en filetes gruesos)
  • 45 ml lime juice (divided)
  • 18 g garlic (chopped, divided)
  • 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 4 g sweet paprika
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 150 g yellow onion (chopped diced small, divided)
  • 220 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
  • 200 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
  • 160 g hearts of palm (escurrido and sliced)
  • 240 ml coconut milk
  • 360 ml chicken broth (hot)
  • 12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 180 g collard greens (without stalks duros and in strips finas)
  • 14 g butter
  • 70 g toasted cassava flour (tipo farofa)
  • 40 g cashews (chopped gruesos)
  • 2 g lime zest

Nutrition facts

per serving

653 kcal
Calories
37 g
Protein
48 g
Carbs
34 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
44 g
Net carbs

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

DairyTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice, half of the chopped garlic, 4 g (about 3/4 tsp) salt, 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, and the sweet paprika. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the rest.

  2. 2

    2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C. Remove, loosely cover, and set aside.

  3. 3

    3. In a medium saucepan, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium heat. Sauté half of the onion for 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Add the corn, coconut milk, and hot chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, lower the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    4. Uncover the saucepan, add the hearts of palm, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, half of the cilantro, 2 g (about 1/4 tsp) salt, and a little black pepper. Cook 5 minutes more, stirring gently, until the rice is tender and creamy.

  5. 5

    5. While the rice finishes, heat another skillet over medium heat with the butter. Add the cashews and toasted cassava flour. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until golden and fragrant. Add the lime zest, stir for 30 seconds, and remove from the heat.

  6. 6

    6. In another large skillet, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the remaining onion for 2 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the collard greens in batches, the remaining salt, and a bit more black pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender but still vibrant.

  7. 7

    7. Slice the chicken into thick strips. Taste the rice and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Turn off the heat and stir the remaining cilantro into the rice.

  8. 8

    8. Serve a base of creamy corn and hearts of palm rice, top with the lime chicken, add the sautéed collards on the side, and finish with the crispy cassava-cashew crumble over the top or alongside.

Chef tips

For a silkier texture, let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes before serving. If the rice thickens too much, add a small splash of hot broth or hot water and stir gently.

Substitutions

You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast. Hearts of palm can be replaced with sautéed zucchini, though the Brazilian profile will change. If collard greens are unavailable, use kale or Swiss chard. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with more olive oil.

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 image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-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
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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