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Delicious Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie

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Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie, or Empadão de Frango, serves as a staple Brazilian comfort dish. This pie boasts a rich, creamy filling made with shredded chicken, vegetables like olives, corn, and hearts of palm, blended with tomato sauce and spices. Enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust, it's a visually striking and delicious dish. Perfect for events or casual dinners, this pie is easy to bake, truly hearty, and a must-try for anyone seeking bold, diverse flavors.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:13:27 GMT
A close up of a chicken pot pie. Pin it
A close up of a chicken pot pie. | gracefulflavors.com

This Brazilian chicken pot pie transforms a simple family meal into a show-stopping centerpiece. The combination of tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and creamy sauce wrapped in buttery pastry creates the perfect comfort food with a South American twist. While it takes some time to prepare, the results are well worth the effort.

I first made this empadão during a Brazilian themed dinner party, and it quickly became my signature dish for gatherings. The combination of buttery crust and savory filling never fails to impress guests, who always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

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A pastry with meat and vegetables on a plate. | gracefulflavors.com

The hearts of palm in this recipe hold a special place in my cooking journey. During a trip to Brazil, I watched a local grandmother prepare this exact dish, carefully chopping these tender palm shoots while explaining how they grow wild in the rainforest. Now whenever I add them to my empadão, I remember her skilled hands and generous spirit.

Make Ahead Options

A chicken pot pie on a plate. Pin it
A chicken pot pie on a plate. | gracefulflavors.com

Ingredient Substitutions

Cultural Background

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the filling made of?

The filling includes shredded chicken, vegetables like olives, corn, peas, and hearts of palm, combined with tomato sauce and spices.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.

→ What can I use instead of hearts of palm?

If hearts of palm are unavailable, you can substitute with chopped artichokes or omit them altogether.

→ How do I achieve a flakier crust?

For a flakier texture, consider replacing half of the butter with shortening.

→ What side dishes pair well with this pie?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments to this pie.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

You can create a vegetarian version by using vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of chicken—pair with a vegetable broth for flavor.

Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie Delight

Savoury Brazilian pot pie with chicken & veggies.

Prep Time
55 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Brazilian

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Filling

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 medium onions, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 2 tomatoes, chopped
05 2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
06 1/2 cup chopped green olives
07 1 cup corn (optional)
08 1 cup green peas (optional)
09 1 cup hearts of palm, chopped (optional)
10 1 cup tomato sauce
11 A couple dashes of hot sauce
12 2 cups chicken broth
13 1 tablespoon flour dissolved in 1/3 cup milk
14 1/2 cup chopped parsley
15 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Crust

16 5 cups flour
17 1 teaspoon salt
18 3 egg yolks
19 1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water
20 3 sticks butter (12 oz), cut into small pieces
21 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 2 minutes.

Step 02

Add tomatoes and cook until softened, 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in shredded chicken, olives, corn, peas, hearts of palm, tomato sauce, and hot sauce.

Step 04

Add chicken broth and the flour/milk mixture. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid is gone (about 10 minutes).

Step 05

Stir in parsley, taste, and season with salt and pepper. Let cool completely.

Step 06

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in egg yolks.

Step 07

Add butter and work it in with your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Step 08

Gradually add water (you may not need all), working until the dough just comes together. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 09

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10

Roll out ⅔ of the dough into a 12-inch round and press into a 9-inch springform pan, including up the sides. Prick with a fork.

Step 11

Fill with the cooled chicken mixture, smoothing the top.

Step 12

Roll out the remaining dough and cover the pie. Seal and tuck the edges, then cut two slits in the center to let steam escape.

Step 13

Brush with the beaten egg yolk.

Step 14

Bake for 25–35 minutes or until golden brown and hot throughout.

Step 15

Let rest slightly before serving.

Notes

  1. You can make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it.
  2. The crust can be made with half butter and half shortening for a slightly flakier texture.
  3. Serve with a simple green salad for a full meal.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains gluten.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 510
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 26 g