Salpicão de Frango, Brazilian Chicken Salad

Salpicão de Frango, otherwise known as Brazilian chicken salad, is a well-loved dish in its home country.

It can be enjoyed as a complete meal or snack, depending on how you eat it and what you pair it with.

 This popular Brazilian dish has evolved and now has different versions to cater to various preferences and palates.

Salpicão de Frango puts the spotlight on tender, flavorful shredded chicken breasts. They are mixed with fresh vegetables and fruits and tossed in a special mayonnaise-based dressing. The dish is topped with shoestring potatoes (batata palha) and traditionally served with rice.

I will discuss what this tasty Brazilian favorite is all about, where it came from, and how it evolved into the dish we know today.

Then I will tell you about different ways to enjoy your Salpicão de Frango before diving into an easy, traditional recipe that will be a hit among family and friends.

Let’s dive right in!

What Is Salpicão de Frango?

Salpicão de Frango is a traditional Brazilian dish that features the perfect pairing of chicken with fresh vegetables and fruits. A tangy, creamy dressing marries the flavors to create a well-balanced meal. It is a beloved dish in Brazil and has gained appreciation in other parts of the world.

Origin of Salpicão de Frango

This chicken salad is one of the more popular dishes in Brazil. It has taken on a nostalgic appeal because many Brazilians grew up with this dish. 

Salpicão de Frango is usually part of the feast during family get-togethers and special occasions.

This chicken salad is what mothers cook as a staple for homemade meals and family picnics. 

Salpicão de Frango originated from a Spanish dish of vegetables and leftover meat.

The Spanish version traditionally has almonds, Manchego cheese, and a vinegar-based dressing.

Brazilians are known for loving mayonnaise, so it is not surprising that their take on this dish highlights the mayo.

Ways To Enjoy Salpicão de Frango

Salpicão de Frango can be enjoyed on its own, especially since it can be quite filling and may be considered a complete, balanced meal.

It has meat, vegetables, fruits, and carbs, and it is also loaded with vitamins and minerals. What more can you ask for?

However, it is still incredibly versatile and lends itself well to other culinary creations.

Here are other ways to enjoy this delicious dish:

• On bread. With or without crunchy potato sticks, Salpicão de Frango makes a yummy chicken salad sandwich. You can make a big batch to store a portion in the fridge for later. Simply slather it on some bread, and you have a tasty snack to bring to picnics.

• With rice. You can place a spoonful on some white rice for a homemade filling treat. To make it a distinctively Brazilian meal, pair it with Brazilian rice and beans. Brazilians love rice, and they eat it almost with every meal.

• With meat. Salpicão de Frango is delicious when enjoyed with meats, particularly grilled beef. The tanginess of the salad compliments the meat’s bold flavors. To make it authentically Brazilian, pair it with Picanha, a tender and juicy cut of beef.

Salpicão de Frango Recipe

Here is an easy Salpicão de Frango recipe that you can easily make when you don’t have much time to cook.

You can also prepare it in advance if you have a party or a picnic.

It is a satisfying dish that your family and friends will surely appreciate.

Ingredients

Main ingredients:

• Chicken breast, 1 pound (0.45 kg)
• Garlic, about 5 cloves, minced
• Onion, 1 small, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil, about 1 tablespoon
• Water, about 2 cups
• Chicken bouillon cube, 1 
• White wine vinegar, to taste
• Batata palha

Dressing ingredients:

• Mayonnaise, 1 cup
• Heavy cream, ¼ cup
• Mustard, 1 tablespoon

Optional ingredients:

• Peas, ½ cup
• Carrots, 1 large, shredded
• Fresh corn, 1 cup
• Green onions, ¼ cup, cubed
• Raisins, ½ cup
• Parsley, ¼ cup
• Apples, 1 small, cubed

Instructions

Once you have your ingredients out and ready, it’s time to cook.

Here’s how to make Salpicão de Frango:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in oil for about 2 minutes or until caramelized. 
2. Then, add the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken evenly on both sides so that the meat will soak in the flavors. 
4. Add the water and chicken cube and let simmer on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken and set it aside. 
6. Mix all the other ingredients from the optional list in a bowl.
7. Grab a separate bowl, then mix the mayonnaise, heavy cream, and mustard. 
8. Season the dressing with white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
9. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. 
10. Top with batata palha, serve, and enjoy!

Final Brazilian Chicken Salad Thoughts 

Salpicão de Frango is a delicious Brazilian side dish that you can serve at fun family picnics, festive Christmas feasts, and even on lazy Sunday afternoons.

Thanks to its versatility, you can enjoy it with rice, bread, as a side dish for grilled meats, and even just on its own.

Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge to enjoy this sumptuous dish for days.

Sources

• I Heart Brazil: Brazilian Chicken Salad
• Brazilian Kitchen Abroad: Salpicao de Frango
• Facebook: Brazilian Food
• The Six Figure Dish: Salpicao de Frango 
• Something New For Dinner: Spanish Chicken Salad
• Flavors of Brazil: Brazilian Gastronomic Expressions
• Tasting Table: Easy Brazilian Rice Recipe     
• Steak School: What Cut of Beef is Picanha and How Do You Cook It?    

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