Frango com Quiabo (Brazilian Chicken & Okra Stew)

Tender chicken simmered in a garlicky tomato broth with okra—pure comfort food with that unmistakably Brazilian home-cooking vibe.

Ingredients

• 800g chicken thighs, bone-in/skin-on (or boneless thighs)
• 400g okra, trimmed and sliced into 2 cm pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 x 400g can crushed tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp oil (neutral oil)
• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 bay leaf (optional pantry staple)
• 250 ml water
• Salt and black pepper

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Prep to reduce “slimy” okra

  Pat the okra very dry with paper towels (dryness helps a lot). Slice and set aside. (Avoid washing right before cooking unless you dry it well.)

• 2

  Step 2: Brown the chicken

  Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Brown chicken well, about 4–5 minutes per side (you want deep golden color—this builds flavor). Remove to a plate.

• 3

  Step 3: Build the base

  Lower heat to medium. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and paprika and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.

• 4

  Step 4: Simmer

  Add tomatoes and cook 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pot. Add water (and bay leaf if using). Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 25 minutes (gentle bubbles), turning chicken once halfway.

• 5

  Step 5: Add okra

  Stir in okra. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring gently once or twice, until okra is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

• 6

  Step 6: Rest & serve

  Rest 5 minutes off the heat so flavors settle. Serve hot.

Tips

• **Less “slimy” okra:** Keep okra dry, don’t over-stir, and simmer uncovered at the end to reduce the sauce.
• **Chicken options:** Thighs stay juicier; drumsticks work too. If using breast, reduce simmer time so it doesn’t dry out.
• **What to serve with:** White rice is the classic. If you have it, a simple salad on the side is very Brazilian too.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)