Go Back
+ servings
Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Deliciously Easy Portuguese Chicken and Rice for Family Fun

This One-Pot Nando’s Inspired Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe brings vibrant flavors and warmth, perfect for family fun.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika Sweet or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic may substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano No direct substitute, but Italian seasoning can work
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Optional to omit
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Omit for a milder dish
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Regular salt can substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Any cooking oil can substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice May substitute with apple cider vinegar
For the Rice Base
  • 1 medium Onion (diced) Shallots can be used
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Can increase amount for more intensity
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (diced) Other sweet peppers can replace
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice Long or medium grain can be used
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for added heat
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder No direct substitute
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth Vegetable broth works for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Fresh peas or other mixed vegetables can be used
For the Finishing Touch
  • 0.5 cup Perinaise (peri-peri mayonnaise) Can substitute with garlic mayo or sriracha mayo
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onion (sliced) Can omit or replace with chives

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Coat chicken thighs evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pot, add marinated chicken skin-side down, sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat, add diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced red bell pepper, cook for another 3-4 minutes, until soft.
  4. Stir in basmati rice, coat well with the vegetables. Add optional red pepper flakes, turmeric powder, and chicken stock. Incorporate frozen peas and a pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Position seared chicken on top of rice, pour juices over them, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove from heat but keep covered for another 10 minutes.
  7. Fluff the rice, mix with chicken, then serve garnished with Perinaise and green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Marinate the chicken for enhanced flavor. Ensure to sear the chicken properly for a golden crust. Avoid stirring while the rice simmers for perfect texture. Add veggies for nutrition and adjust spices to taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!