Sautéed Garlic and Herb Brazilian Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a fragrant garlic and herb sauce, inspired by Brazilian flavors and perfect for a hearty dinner. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season them evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice to the skillet. Continue cooking the chicken for another 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Brazilian Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Brazilian Chicken Thighs?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Herb Brazilian Chicken Thighs?

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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Brazilian Chicken Thighs 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Brazilian Chicken Thighs?

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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