Coxinha

Coxinha is a Brazilian savoury snack, typically made from dough filled with shredded chicken, shaped like a teardrop or chicken drumstick, breaded, and fried.

Coxinha is a Brazilian savoury snack made from dough filled with shredded chicken, shaped like a teardrop or chicken drumstick, breaded, and fried. It is widely associated with Brazilian street food and snack bars, and is especially popular in São Paulo. The name coxinha literally means 'little thigh' in Portuguese.

Description

Coxinha is a savoury Brazilian snack made by enclosing shredded chicken filling in a dough, coating it, and frying it. The finished snack is usually golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, seasoned interior. The dough is typically made from wheat flour and chicken broth, giving it a distinctive flavour.

Origin and history

Most accounts place coxinha’s development in São Paulo and link it to 19th-century Brazilian culinary traditions, but the exact origin is disputed. Some sources describe it as a local invention, while others argue that São Paulo mainly popularised an older dish.

Variations

Although the traditional filling is chicken, modern versions may include catupiry, requeijão, cheese, calabresa, and vegetarian fillings. Recipes also vary in the dough, with some using mashed potato along with wheat flour and chicken broth.

Cultural significance

Coxinha is a widely recognised part of Brazilian snack culture and is commonly found in bars, bakeries, and events. It is also one of Brazil’s best-known street foods and has become familiar internationally through Brazilian restaurants and food media.