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+ servings
Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Savory Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice in One Pot

A delightful twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine, this Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe brings comfort and excitement to your weeknight dinner.
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 kg Chicken Thighs skinless and boneless
  • 2 tsp Paprika optional smoked paprika deepens flavor
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or substitute with freshly minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional, adjust according to preference
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Cooking Salt preferably kosher salt
For the Cooking Base
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) deseeded and diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh, optional
For the Rice and Broth
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas optional
For Serving
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice or substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes optional, to taste
  • 3 tbsp Perinaise (or hot sauce)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion chopped

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and cooking salt to create the marinade. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the mixture and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, lower the heat, and sauté diced onion, garlic, and red capsicum for approximately 2.5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat. Pour in chicken stock or broth, followed by turmeric powder and frozen peas. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top.
  5. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low heat and cover tightly. Cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow residual steam to finish cooking the rice.
  7. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
  8. Spoon portions of the Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise or hot sauce, and top with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For a make-ahead option, prep vegetables and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

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