Heart-Healthy Coxa de Frango (Braised Chicken Thighs)

Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and wholesome recipe for Heart-Healthy Coxa de Frango (Braised Chicken Thighs), a lighter spin on a classic Brazilian favorite. Perfect for those seeking nutritious comfort food, this dish features tender, boneless chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful medley of low-sodium chicken broth, no-salt-added tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and paprika. Sweet red bell peppers and sautéed onions enhance the dish’s natural sweetness, while a hint of garlic adds depth. Ready in just an hour, this one-pan meal is low in salt and rich in heart-healthy fats thanks to olive oil. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an enticing choice for a balanced meal when paired with whole grains or a crisp green salad. Your taste buds—and your heart—will thank you!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs on both sides with the salt and ground black pepper.

Step 3

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the red bell pepper slices and cook until they start to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices, and stir to combine.

Step 8

Add the paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaves, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.

Step 10

Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and tender.

Step 11

Discard the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

Step 12

Garnish the braised chicken thighs with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot with a side of whole grains or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2044.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2179.3

Total Fat 119.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1000mg	0%
Sodium 2113.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 49.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.9g
Protein 220.1g	0%

Vitamin D 56IU	0%
Calcium 286.2mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 3432.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.9%

Protein: 40.9%

Carbs: 9.2%