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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Spicy Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice in One Pot

This Nando’s Inspired Portuguese Chicken and Rice combines smoky Peri Peri spices and tender chicken for a flavorful, one-pot meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 bowl
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs Juicy results
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika Sweet or regular
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or use fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) Diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Basmati Rice
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes Adjust according to liking
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth Low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Optional
For Serving
  • As Needed Perinaise or Alternative Hot Sauce For drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onion For garnish

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5 minutes until golden brown, flip, and sear for an additional 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion for 2 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and diced red capsicum, cooking for another 1.5 minutes.
  4. Add the basmati rice, stirring to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken stock, add turmeric and peas, bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Nestle the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
  7. Serve portions into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise or hot sauce, and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust spice levels according to preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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