Print

Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 136 reviews

This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of spices, seared to perfection, and cooked with turmeric-infused basmati rice and vibrant vegetables. Finished with a drizzle of Perinaise and fresh green onions, this dish captures the essence of Portuguese-inspired peri-peri flavors in an easy-to-make, wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 kg Chicken Thighs Skinless and boneless
  • 2 tbsp Paprika (Sweet or regular)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder or freshly minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Coriander
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cooking Salt (Kosher salt preferred)

For the Cooking Base

  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, sautĂ©ed until golden
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper), deseeded and diced

For the Rice

  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice or long/medium grain rice
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes (Optional)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth (Low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (Optional)

For Garnishing

  • Perinaise or alternative hot sauce, to taste
  • 2 stalks Green Onion, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, and cooking salt. Coat the chicken thighs generously with this seasoning mix, ensuring every piece is well covered. Set aside to marinate briefly while preparing the other ingredients.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust on the outside but remain slightly undercooked inside. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, reserving the oil in the pot.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sautéed onion. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the diced red capsicum and continue cooking for an additional 1.5 minutes until softened, creating a flavorful and aromatic base for the rice.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in 1.5 cups of basmati rice, tossing to coat the grains evenly with the oil and aromatics. Add the chicken stock, turmeric powder, chili flakes (if using), and frozen peas (if using). Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Cook Chicken and Rice Together: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the pot. Bring everything to a quick simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to allow the rice to absorb the flavors and the chicken to cook through.
  6. Rest the Dish: After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the rice finish steaming and enhances the texture.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains and mix in the ingredients. Spoon the chicken and rice into serving bowls, drizzle generously with Perinaise or your favorite hot sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Portuguese chicken and rice dish!

Notes

  • Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat and even cooking.
  • Cayenne pepper and chili flakes can be adjusted or omitted depending on your desired spice level.
  • Low-sodium chicken stock is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure proper steaming of rice and chicken.
  • Perinaise adds a creamy, spicy finish but can be substituted with other hot sauces or mayonnaise.
  • Resting time is essential for the best texture in rice.
  • This recipe can be adapted to use other types of rice, but cooking times may vary.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/portuguese-chicken-and-rice-recipe/