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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice: A One-Pot Wonder!

A delightful One-Pot Nando’s inspired Portuguese Chicken and Rice, packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs or skinless chicken breast for a lighter dish
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika sweet or regular based on your preference
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can be used for a bolder taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano for authentic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander to enhance complexity
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional, adjust to your spice tolerance
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar balances spices
  • 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt to enhance overall flavor
For Sautéing and Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil for searing chicken
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice apple cider vinegar can substitute
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) for freshness
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) diced
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice or long/medium grain rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder for color and flavor
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth for moisture and flavor
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas optional
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Perinaise (or hot sauce) optional
  • 2 stalks Green Onion for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Coat the chicken thighs generously and marinate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the seasoned chicken thighs for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced red capsicum and sauté for another 1.5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the basmati rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Pour in the chicken stock, add turmeric, and frozen peas, mix, and nestle the seared chicken thighs on top.
  5. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Once cooked, remove from heat, let it rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  7. Spoon into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise or hot sauce if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is versatile; you can customize it with seasonal veggies or different proteins. Follow the cooking tips for the best results.

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