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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

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

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice in this quick, one-pot meal that delights everyone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs skinless, boneless
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika sweet or regular
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt kosher recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional, adjust to taste
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves freshly minced
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) diced
For the Rice and Broth
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice medium grain rice can be used
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes optional
  • to taste Perinaise or Hot Sauce for serving
  • 2 stalks Green Onion for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper; coat the chicken thighs thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them for about 5 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside, reserving the oil.
  3. In the same pot, lower the heat slightly, and add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, toss in the diced bell pepper and cook until softened, around 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the basmati rice, ensuring it's well-coated in the aromatic oil. Pour in chicken stock, sprinkle turmeric, and add any frozen peas if using. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This crucial step prevents mushiness. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork until light and fluffy.
  6. Plate your dish, drizzling with Perinaise or your favorite hot sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For best results, use skinless, boneless thighs and avoid lifting the lid while cooking to achieve fluffy rice.

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