Go Back
+ servings
Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Savor Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice in One Pot

Experience Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice, a vibrant and flavor-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon paprika sweet or regular
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or substitute with fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cooking salt kosher preferred
For the Rice and Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 medium red capsicum (bell pepper)
  • 1.5 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 3 cups chicken stock/broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional
For Serving
  • to taste Perinaise or hot sauce for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step by Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt to create your seasoning blend. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with this mixture and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced red capsicum and continue cooking for another 1.5 minutes.
  4. Stir in basmati rice to coat with oils and aromatics. Add chicken stock and turmeric, along with peas if using. Nestle the chicken back on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit covered for another 10 minutes. Fluff the rice and mix with the chicken before serving.
  7. Spoon into bowls, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Ensure the oil is hot while searing chicken for a golden crust. Use basmati rice for fluffy texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!