A photo of Canja de galinha, a Portuguese dish.

Recipes · Soups

Canja de galinha

Gather around for a heartwarming bowl of Canja de galinha—a comforting chicken soup that's perfect for family time.

⏱ Prep 20 min🔥 Cook 25 min👥 Serves 4📍 LisboaEasy

June 23, 2026

💬 WhatsApp✉ Email𝕏 Postf Facebook

When the chill of Sunday seeps into the streets of Lisbon, families come together to share something special. One dish that warms hearts and bellies alike is Comfort in a Bowl: Canja de galinha. This delightful chicken soup has been a beloved staple in Portuguese homes for generations, especially when someone is feeling under the weather or during cozy family gatherings. The love and care that go into each bowl make it so much more than just food.

A photo evocative of Canja de galinha, a Portuguese dish.

Canja de galinha is a simple dish, yet it carries a depth of flavor that comforts the soul. As you simmer the chicken with rice and aromatic herbs, the kitchen fills with inviting scents that make you feel right at home. A squeeze of lemon brightens it up, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds that perfect finishing touch. You might even find this served in a local tasca, where it brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to every table.

Ingredients · 4 servings

  • 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
  • 200 g rice
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 liters water

Method

  1. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water.
  2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots to the pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken, and once cool, shred the meat from the bones.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and add the rice, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the rice is cooked.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

🪄 For a quicker option, feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken to whip up this comforting classic in no time.

Photo by Istvan Szabo on Pexels

Photo by Muhammad Khawar Nazir on Pexels

Planning a move to Portugal? Greenlight can help.

  • Get your Portuguese NIF — online, no notary, no waiting.
  • Find the right visa — D7, D8, Tech, Golden Visa: which one fits you.
  • Open a Portuguese bank account — remotely, with a real banker.
←PreviousCaldo Verde🍽All recipesNextCarne de porco à Alentejana→

© 2026 Greenlight. Privacy · Terms · All posts · ❓ FAQ · Add your group →

×
✨ AI summary of this page

Summarising…

    Need help relocating to Portugal? Talk to Greenlight →
    Generated by AI from this page. May be imperfect — verify details.