A comforting and versatile savory pie, the Brazilian Chicken Pie features a flavorful shredded chicken filling encased in a tender, cake-like batter. It’s perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or even as a hearty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This torta brings together the richness of cooked chicken and vegetables with a moist, lightly cheesy batter—delivering a warm, satisfying experience. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 small onion, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
-
1 tomato, chopped (optional)
-
½ cup corn kernels
-
½ cup peas
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
½ cup cream cheese or requeijão (optional)
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Batter
-
3 eggs
-
1 cup milk
-
½ cup vegetable oil
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
-
Prepare the filling:
-
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
-
Add shredded chicken, chopped tomato (if using), corn, peas, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Mix in the cream cheese (or requeijão) and parsley until creamy. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
-
-
Make the batter:
-
In a bowl, beat the eggs together with milk and oil until smooth.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and Parmesan (if using).
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just smooth—avoid overmixing.
-
-
Assemble and bake:
-
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9‑inch (23 cm) pie dish or baking pan.
-
Spread half of the batter evenly in the pan.
-
Layer the chicken filling over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top.
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
-
Serve:
-
Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
-
Serve warm or at room temperature.
-
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: Makes 6–8 slices (serves 6–8 people)
-
Preparation time: 15 minutes
-
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
-
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
-
Cheesy twist: Sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.
-
Vegetable boost: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach in the filling.
-
Gluten-free: Use half-and-half gluten-free flour blend for the batter.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Warm in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful substitute.
2. Do I have to use cream cheese or requeijão?
No, but adding cream cheese makes the filling richer and creamier.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble right before baking.
4. How do I store leftover torta?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this pie?
Yes. Wrap cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. What sides pair well with this torta?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or Brazilian-style farofa go nicely.
7. Can I bake this in muffin tins?
Absolutely. Fill greased muffin tins about two-thirds full and bake for 20–25 minutes for portable portions.
8. Is this suitable for kids?
Definitely. Mild and flavorful, it’s usually well received by children.
9. Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?
Yes. The pie will still be tasty without it.
10. Why does the batter form layers around the filling?
The layering effect comes from placing the filling between two parts of batter, which bakes into a cake-like crust around the savory center.
Conclusion
This Brazilian Chicken Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and crowd-friendly. With a moist, savory filling wrapped in tender batter, it works well for family meals, potlucks, or any cozy gathering. Enjoy its warm, satisfying layers with every bite!
[tasty-recipe id=”19493″]