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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 105 reviews

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of Portuguese spices, seared to lock in freshness, and cooked with fragrant basmati rice and vegetables. This one-pot meal offers a perfectly balanced combination of tender, spiced chicken and aromatic, colorful rice, garnished with a zesty Perinaise sauce and fresh green onions for a deliciously satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Portuguese Chicken Seasoning

  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 large clove, minced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher or cooking salt
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)

Spicy Rice

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded and chopped
  • 1½ cups basmati rice (or long/medium grain rice)
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Garnishes

  • Perinaise or pink sauce (optional)
  • Green onion, finely sliced

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: In a bowl, mix together sweet paprika, garlic powder or minced garlic, dried oregano, ground coriander, optional cayenne pepper, brown sugar, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to create the Portuguese Chicken Seasoning. Add the chicken thigh pieces and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate while preparing other ingredients, or refrigerate overnight for more intense flavor.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned and sealed. The goal is to lock in the juices, so a full golden crust is not necessary. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavored oil in the pot for the next step.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely minced garlic and diced onion to the pot with the remaining oil. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped red capsicum (bell pepper) and sauté for another 1½ minutes until the onions become translucent and vegetables slightly soften.
  4. Cook Rice: Stir in the basmati rice to coat the grains evenly with the vegetable oil and flavors. Add the optional chili flakes, turmeric powder, low-sodium chicken stock, frozen peas, and kosher salt. Mix everything well, then evenly scatter the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice, including any accumulated juices.
  5. Steam: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the dish to simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring to ensure proper steaming and even cooking of rice and chicken.
  6. Rest: After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat but keep the lid on. Let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming and for the flavors to meld together fully.
  7. Serve: Carefully fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Spoon the chicken and rice into serving bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of Perinaise or your favorite pink sauce and a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions. Enjoy this vibrant, comforting meal fresh and warm.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor but is optional.
  • For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper and chili flakes as desired.
  • Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Perinaise or pink sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick but can be omitted for a lighter meal.
  • If you don’t have basmati rice, any long or medium grain rice will work as a substitute.

Keywords: Portuguese chicken, Nando’s chicken, spicy chicken rice, one pot meal, basmati rice, quick dinner, flavored chicken, easy stovetop recipe

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