Brazilian Strogonoff de Frango – Chicken Stroganoff

Comfort food with a twist of Brazilian flavor

If you’ve been living in Brazil — or even just dating a Brazilian — you’ve probably heard of Strogonoff de Frango. It’s not the Russian-style stroganoff you’re used to with sour cream and egg noodles. Brazil puts its own spin on it: tender chicken in a creamy tomato-mustard sauce, served with fluffy white rice and crispy batata palha (shoestring potatoes).

It’s cheap, fast, and incredibly satisfying — which is exactly why it’s a staple in Brazilian homes, school lunches, and small restaurants across the country.

Whether you’re an expat looking to cook local dishes, or just want to impress your Brazilian partner with a familiar meal, this recipe hits the mark.

🍗 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 500g (1 lb) of chicken breast, diced into small cubes

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or creme de leite (Brazilian-style table cream)

• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• Batata palha (crispy shoestring potatoes) – find at Brazilian stores or Amazon

• Cooked white rice for serving

🍳 Instructions

1. Season and sauté the chicken
   Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the aromatics
   In the same pan, lower the heat and sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Build the sauce
   Return the chicken to the pan. Add the ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Finish with cream
   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or creme de leite. Let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes, just until heated through. Don’t boil it once the cream is in.

5. Serve and enjoy
   Plate it with a scoop of white rice and a generous handful of crispy batata palha on top. Brazilians often mix everything together for the full comfort-food experience.

💡 Tips for Expats & New Cooks

• Can’t find creme de leite? Use any unsweetened heavy cream or cooking cream.

• Want to level it up? Add chopped mushrooms or a splash of cognac like some chefs do.

• Need a kitchen gear upgrade? A quality non-stick skillet and garlic press can make all the difference.
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🥄 Why This Dish Matters

In Brazil, Strogonoff de Frango isn’t fancy — it’s comfort. It reminds people of childhood, family dinners, and weekend lunches. And for you as a foreigner, it’s an easy way to connect with the culture through food.

Make it once, and it just might become part of your weekly routine.