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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

Nando’s Portuguese chicken and rice is a flavorful, one-pot dish inspired by the famous peri-peri chicken. Tender, marinated chicken thighs are seared and then cooked with aromatic spices, basmati rice, vegetables, and chicken stock to create a delicious, hearty meal that is both comforting and vibrant with Portuguese-inspired spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g/1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 tsp paprika (regular/sweet, not spicy)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 large garlic clove, minced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional for zero spicy)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (+50% for flakes, halve for table salt)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)

Rice and Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded, chopped into 1cm/0.4″ squares
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice (or long grain or medium grain rice)
  • 1/4 tsp chilli flakes / red pepper flakes (omit for no spice)
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium
  • 1 cup frozen peas (still frozen)
  • 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (+50% for flakes, halve for table salt)

To Serve

  • Perinaise, Pink Sauce, or other peri-peri style sauce
  • Green onion, finely sliced

Instructions

  1. Season chicken: In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne, brown sugar, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to make the Portuguese chicken seasoning. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Set aside for at least a few minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Sear chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until the outside is sealed and the surface develops some color (it won’t turn golden). Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon into a bowl, leaving the oil in the pot.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic. Then add the chopped capsicum and continue cooking for 1 1/2 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the basmati rice, coating it well in the flavored oil and veggies. Add the chili flakes, turmeric powder, chicken stock, frozen peas, and salt. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Combine chicken and simmer: Scatter the seared chicken pieces evenly on top of the rice mixture along with any juices collected in the bowl. Stir gently, bring the pot to a simmer, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to medium-low so the mixture gently simmers without boiling vigorously.
  6. Cook covered for 15 minutes: Allow the rice and chicken to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, but you can quickly tilt the pot and peek once if needed.
  7. Rest the dish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
  8. Fluff and serve: Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice to mix in the vegetables and chicken evenly. Spoon onto serving bowls, drizzle with Perinaise or preferred sauce, and garnish with finely sliced green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a milder version, omit cayenne and chili flakes.
  • You can marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor but it’s not necessary.
  • Use basmati rice for the best texture; however, long grain or medium grain rice can also be used.
  • Perinaise or Pink Sauce enhances the dish with a creamy, spicy kick but can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
  • The pot used should be heavy-based to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Do not stir the rice while it cooks to achieve fluffy, separate grains.

Keywords: Nando's chicken, Portuguese chicken rice, peri peri chicken, one pot chicken rice, spicy chicken rice, basmati rice with chicken

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