Arroz de Galinha Picante
A flavorful and spicy chicken and rice dish, common in Guinea-Bissau, featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with rice, aromatic vegetables, and a kick of chili.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 small Chili peppers(finely chopped (adjust to taste))
- 1.5 cups Rice(long-grain)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Palm oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Coriander leaves(chopped, for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 6
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil and other ingredients.
- 7
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- 8
Once the rice is cooked, let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โAdjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
- โFor a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
- โEnsure the rice is cooked through but not mushy by not over-stirring after adding the liquid.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and chili for at least 30 minutes before cooking.