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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice: Your New Weeknight Hero

This Nando’s Inspired Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a delicious weeknight hero packed with protein and vibrant flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or substitute with chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika sweet or regular
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper add according to spice tolerance
  • 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt kosher salt works best
For the Cooking Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 1 medium Red capsicum (bell pepper) chopped
For the Rice and Extras
  • 1 cup Basmati rice rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 3 cups Chicken stock/broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup Frozen peas optional
For Serving
  • to taste Perinaise or hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Green onion finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well to create a savory spice blend. Coat the skinless, boneless chicken thighs thoroughly with the seasoning mixture. Set aside.
  2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat and add minced garlic and diced onion to the pot. Sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped red capsicum (bell pepper) and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot, stirring with the sautéed aromatics. Pour in chicken stock and squeeze in lemon juice, then sprinkle with turmeric and stir in frozen peas if using. Nestle the seared chicken on top.
  5. Increase the heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from heat but keep the lid on and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
  7. Spoon the rice and chicken into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise or hot sauce, and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, allow the dish to rest after cooking to meld flavors and achieve optimal texture. Customize the recipe as desired for a personalized touch.

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