Grilled Farofa-Stuffed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts stuffed with toasted cassava flour (farofa), garlic, and fresh herbs, offering a rustic Brazilian flavor. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs cassava flour (farofa), butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 cup cassava flour, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until toasted golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Carefully slice a pocket into each of the 4 chicken breasts without cutting all the way through. Season inside and out with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  3. Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast pocket evenly with the prepared farofa mixture, pressing gently to fill.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the stuffed chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through with grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Farofa-Stuffed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Farofa-Stuffed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cassava flour (farofa) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Farofa-Stuffed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Farofa-Stuffed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Farofa-Stuffed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs?

Brazilian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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