Found at parties, snack bars, bakeries, and even gourmet menus, the coxinha is undeniably one of the icons of Brazilian cuisine. Easy to make, quick to serve, and incredibly flavorful, it pleases all kinds of palates and carries that comforting taste that reminds us of childhood, street food, and everyday life. But have you ever stopped to wonder where this truly Brazilian delight comes from? Although it’s such a common part of our routine — even earning its own holiday, Coxinha Day (celebrated by many on May 18) — its origin is surrounded by myths, legends, and curious stories.
More Than Shredded Chicken: Coxinha as a Cultural Symbol
Coxinha is traditionally made from a dough cooked in broth, filled with seasoned shredded chicken (sometimes with catupiry, a Brazilian cream cheese), shaped like a chicken drumstick, breaded, and deep-fried. Its distinctive shape is so iconic that it has even become part of Brazilian slang. But beyond its cultural and linguistic impact, coxinha is a true representation of the creativity that defines Brazilian cooking.
The French Theory: From “Cuisse-Crème” to Coxinha
One of the most widely accepted theories among culinary historians is that coxinha has French origins. According to Professor Paulo Veríssimo, from Anhembi Morumbi University, the Brazilian snack is an adaptation of coxa-creme, a traditional French dish consisting of breaded chicken drumsticks coated in a thick cream and fried until golden. The dish was introduced to Brazil through the upper class, but was soon adapted using more affordable ingredients, eventually evolving into the beloved street food we know today.
1920s São Paulo Factories: A Working-Class Invention?
Another popular theory suggests that coxinha was created in the factories of São Paulo’s countryside in the 1920s. In this version, the snack emerged as an economical and nourishing way to feed industrial workers. Made from leftover chicken, it was shaped to resemble a real drumstick, both to maximize the food and make it more appealing. This could help explain the snack’s immense popularity, especially in the Southeast region of Brazil.
The Royal Legend: A Fairy Tale Twist
One of the most whimsical stories about coxinha involves Brazil’s imperial court. Legend has it that one of Princess Isabel’s sons was quite a picky eater and would only eat chicken drumsticks. One day, the palace kitchen ran out of drumsticks, and the cook, thinking on her feet, shredded the chicken meat, wrapped it in dough, and shaped it to look like a drumstick. The result was so well-received that it became a staple and spread across the country.
While this story isn’t historically verified, it adds a delightful charm to the already rich tapestry of coxinha’s background.
A Tradition That Evolves: Coxinha for All Tastes
Nowadays, coxinha comes in all shapes and flavours. There are vegan versions filled with jackfruit, hearts of palm, or soy protein; sweet versions filled with chocolate fudge (brigadeiro) or dulce de leche; and even giant coxinhas that serve as full meals. In the age of social media, coxinha has become a meme, a trend, and a star in countless creative culinary experiments.
More Than a Snack — A Taste of Home
Regardless of its true origin, coxinha is much more than just a savoury snack: it’s a cultural and emotional treasure in Brazil. Every bite tells a story — of adaptation, invention, tradition — and, of course, delicious flavour.
Don’t just crave it — try it!
Order now and indulge in this irresistible classic of Brazilian cuisine. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavour, our coxinhas are everything you need to turn any moment into a true celebration of taste. Get yours today and treat yourself! RIGHT HERE
