Brazilian recipe
Creamy Chicken Escondidinho (Brazilian Shepherd’s Pie)
Learn how to make this comforting and creamy Brazilian chicken bake. It is a traditional, hearty family favourite that is just perfect for any lunch or dinner.
0.0 / 5 by 0 Reviews
Ingredients
500g chicken breast, cubed
1kg potatoes
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
6 tomatoes, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
1 packet onion soup mix
800ml milk
3 cups cooked white rice
Grated mozzarella cheese, to taste
1kg potatoes
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
6 tomatoes, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
1 packet onion soup mix
800ml milk
3 cups cooked white rice
Grated mozzarella cheese, to taste
Where to find ingredients
Most ingredients for this dish, such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and butter, are readily available at any local supermarket or fresh produce market in Barbados. For the onion soup mix, check the seasoning or soup aisle in major grocery stores. Green olives can be found in the pantry staples or condiment section. Fresh coriander is usually available in the fresh herbs section of well-stocked supermarkets or green grocers. If you cannot find mozzarella, any good melting mild cheese works as a substitute. For authentic Brazilian ingredients or specific products, visit stores that carry a wide range of international and Latin American pantry staples.
Preparation method
- Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them with the butter and set aside
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan and gently fry the chopped onion
- Add the chicken cubes and cook until nicely browned
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, chopped olives, and fresh coriander, letting it cook for a few minutes
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix and the milk until smooth
- Pour the milk and onion mixture into the pan with the browned chicken
- Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens nicely
- Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prepare for assembly
- Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly as the bottom layer in the dish
- Add a neat layer of the cooked white rice over the chicken
- Spread the creamy mashed potato layer carefully over the rice
- Top everything with a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese
- Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown
Observations
The chicken escondidinho is a true classic of Brazilian home cooking, famous for its comforting layers of flavour and texture. This recipe is a fantastic choice when you need a practical, filling meal that the whole family will love. It is crafted with a succulent layer of shredded chicken, fluffy white rice, and topped with a creamy potato mash, all finished under a bubbly, melted cheese crust. It is a wonderfully versatile dish, ideal for a relaxed weeknight dinner or for gathering everyone together on a special occasion.
Ratings and comments