If you’re craving comforting food with a touch of flair, this Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie is a must-try. Known as Empadão de Frango, it features a rich and creamy chicken and vegetable filling wrapped in a golden, buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you simply want to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded

• ½ cup chopped green olives

• 1 cup corn (optional)

• 1 cup green peas (optional)

• 1 cup hearts of palm, chopped (optional)

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• A couple dashes of hot sauce

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon flour dissolved in ⅓ cup milk

• ½ cup chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crust:

• 5 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 egg yolks

• ¼ to ½ cup cold water

• 3 sticks butter (12 oz), cut into small pieces

• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten (for brushing)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Add tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in the shredded chicken, olives, corn, peas, hearts of palm, tomato sauce, and hot sauce.
Add chicken broth and the flour/milk mixture. Simmer over medium-low heat until thickened and most of the liquid is gone, about 10 minutes. Stir in parsley, season with salt and pepper, and let the filling cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt for the crust. Stir in egg yolks, then work in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water until the dough just comes together. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out ⅔ of the dough and press into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Prick the base with a fork.
Fill with the cooled chicken mixture. Roll out the remaining dough and cover the pie, sealing the edges and cutting two slits in the center.
Brush with the beaten egg yolk. Bake for 25–35 minutes until golden brown.
Let rest slightly before serving.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 slice

• Calories: 510

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 520mg

• Fat: 31g

• Saturated Fat: 17g

• Unsaturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 26g

• Cholesterol: 145mg

The Flavorful Magic of the Chicken Filling

The filling of this Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie is where the magic truly begins. Tender, juicy shredded chicken is simmered with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, creating a deep, savory base. The addition of olives introduces a briny punch that enhances the overall depth of flavor, while optional ingredients like corn, peas, and hearts of palm add bursts of sweetness and an extra layer of texture.

The sauce itself is a masterpiece of balance. Tomato sauce provides acidity and a rich base, chicken broth enhances the umami flavor, and the flour-and-milk mixture thickens everything into a luscious, creamy consistency. A couple of dashes of hot sauce bring a subtle heat that doesn’t overpower the dish but adds a delightful warmth. Finishing with a handful of fresh parsley brightens the filling, giving it a fresh, herbaceous lift.

The Importance of the Buttery Crust

The crust in Empadão de Frango is much more than just a vessel — it’s an essential part of the dish’s charm. Made from flour, butter, egg yolks, and just enough cold water to bring it together, this dough is rich, tender, and slightly crumbly in the best way. Unlike puff pastry, it’s dense yet delicate, offering a wonderful contrast to the creamy filling it encases.

The butter content in the crust ensures it bakes to a gorgeous golden brown, creating a slight crunch when bitten into, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth softness. This buttery, flavorful shell perfectly complements the savory filling, making each mouthful a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Tips for a Perfect Empadão de Frango

For the most delicious result, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, make sure the chicken filling cools completely before assembling the pie. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures the dough stays crisp and flaky as it bakes.

When making the crust, be careful not to overwork the dough. Gentle handling keeps the butter from melting prematurely and ensures the crust remains tender and flaky. Also, pricking the base of the crust with a fork helps prevent air bubbles and creates a solid foundation for the hearty filling.

Brushing the top with a beaten egg yolk before baking gives the pie an irresistible glossy, golden finish that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Customization and Ingredient Swaps

One of the joys of Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie is its adaptability. The filling can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes or the ingredients you have on hand. You can swap out the green peas for diced carrots, use artichoke hearts instead of hearts of palm, or add mushrooms for an earthier flavor.

For an even creamier filling, a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese can be stirred in just before cooling the mixture. If you prefer a spicier pie, adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling will bring an exciting kick.

The crust can also be varied — try incorporating a bit of Parmesan cheese into the dough for an even richer flavor, or use a whole wheat flour blend for a slightly nuttier taste and a bit more fiber.

Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal

Empadão de Frango is a satisfying meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its rich, savory profile. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty pie. Light vegetable sides like roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or steamed broccoli are also great accompaniments.

For a true Brazilian-inspired feast, serve it alongside a plate of farofa (toasted cassava flour) or a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil. And, of course, a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade can elevate the meal into a full dining experience.

Health Benefits Hidden in Comfort Food

Despite its indulgent flavor and rich textures, Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie can offer some surprising nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean, high-protein ingredient that supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer. Vegetables like peas, corn, tomatoes, and hearts of palm bring essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the table, helping balance out the richness of the pie.

Additionally, olive oil — used for sautéing the filling — is a heart-healthy fat known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Even the butter in the crust, when consumed in moderation, provides important fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A.

While this dish is definitely a hearty comfort food, when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, it can contribute to a well-rounded and nourishing meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie stores beautifully. Allow the pie to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped, it will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.

To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave preserves the crust’s texture, ensuring it remains flaky and delicious.

You can also freeze the pie for longer storage. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.

Why You’ll Love Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie

Empadão de Frango is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The buttery, flaky crust envelops a luscious, savory filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for gatherings, special family dinners, or just treating yourself to a comforting, satisfying meal.

What makes it truly special is its balance — hearty yet not heavy, rich yet fresh with herbs and vegetables, traditional yet endlessly adaptable. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself dreaming up new variations and looking for any excuse to bake another one.

Conclusion

Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie, or Empadão de Frango, captures the very essence of comfort food: warm, savory, and utterly satisfying. Its buttery crust and rich, flavorful filling combine to create a dish that feels luxurious yet is made with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, a show-stopping centerpiece for a gathering, or just a hearty meal to lift your spirits, this pot pie delivers on every level. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, enjoyed again and again whenever you crave a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.