Canja de galinha
Chicken and rice soup from Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde
Canja de galinha is a chicken soup with rice or small pasta, found in Portuguese, Brazilian, and Cape Verdean cooking. The rice is cooked until very soft, but not fully broken down. It is often eaten when someone is ill, as a light meal, or at special gatherings.
- Made with chicken and rice or small pasta
- Eaten for comfort during illness in Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde
- Cape Verdeans serve it after funerals and at New Year's
- Portuguese versions may include mint, saffron, or clove
- Often served as a light supper or before the main meal
What is Canja de galinha?
Canja de galinha is a simple soup made with chicken and either rice or small pasta shapes. The chicken is cooked until tender, and the rice or pasta is simmered until very soft, giving the soup a comforting texture. In Portugal, it may include carrots, eggs, olive oil, mint, saffron, clove, and white pepper, while in Brazil, potatoes and carrots are common, with a light base of garlic and onion. The soup is mild, with a gentle chicken flavor and soft grains or pasta in a clear broth.
Where does Canja de galinha come from?
Canja de galinha is part of the traditional cooking of Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde. Its name means 'chicken congee', though the rice is cooked softer than in most Western soups but not as much as in Asian congee. The dish is closely tied to home cooking and is widely recognized in these countries as a food for comfort and care, especially during illness.
How is Canja de galinha made?
To make canja de galinha, chicken pieces are simmered in water or broth, often with a little olive oil. In Brazil, the chicken is first lightly fried with garlic and onion before adding water, rice, and diced vegetables like carrots and potatoes. In Portugal, small pasta or rice is added, and sometimes the soup is flavored with mint, saffron, or clove. The grains are cooked until very soft, and the soup is served plain or with bread on the side.
How and when is Canja de galinha eaten?
Canja de galinha is usually eaten as a light meal, either before the main course or as a late supper. It is especially common when someone is unwell, as it is believed to help with colds and digestive troubles. In Cape Verde, it is served after funerals and at special occasions like New Year's Eve and birthdays. The soup is often accompanied by slices of corn bread in Portugal.
Kinds of Canja de galinha
The main variations are regional. In Portugal, canja may use small pasta shapes and a wider range of seasonings, while in Brazil, it is more likely to have rice, potatoes, and carrots, with a simple base of garlic and onion. Cape Verdean versions are also traditional, but details vary. Some recipes include eggs or mint, while others keep the soup very plain.
What Canja de galinha means
Canja de galinha holds a special place as a comfort food in Portuguese-speaking countries. It is a common remedy for colds and minor illnesses. In Cape Verde, it is part of mourning rituals and festive gatherings, showing its role in both comfort and celebration. The soup is valued for its simplicity and its association with care and family.
Questions people ask about Canja de galinha
What is canja de galinha made of?
It is made with chicken and either rice or small pasta. Other common ingredients include carrot, potato, olive oil, onion, garlic, and parsley, with some regional variations adding mint, saffron, or clove.
Where does canja de galinha come from?
Canja de galinha is traditional in Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde. It is a well-known part of the cooking in these countries and is linked to both everyday meals and special occasions.
When is canja de galinha usually eaten?
It is often eaten as a light supper, before a main meal, or when someone is feeling unwell. In Cape Verde, it is also served after funerals and at celebrations like New Year's Eve.
How is the rice in canja de galinha cooked?
The rice is simmered until very soft, more so than in most Western chicken soups, but it does not break down completely as in Asian congee.
Is canja de galinha considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is widely seen as a comfort food, especially for people who are sick or recovering, and is also served at family gatherings and rituals in some cultures.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Canja de galinha", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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