Name: Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – One Pot Delightful Feast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Chicken Seasoning; 1 kg chicken thighs (skinless, boneless); 2 tbsp paprika (sweet or regular); 1 tbsp garlic powder (or freshly minced garlic); 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp coriander; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt preferred); 1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar); For the Rice; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 medium red capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded and diced; 1½ cups basmati rice (or long-grain rice); 1 tsp chili flakes (optional); 1 tsp turmeric powder; 3 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium preferred); 1 cup frozen peas (optional); For Serving; Perinaise or hot sauce; 2 stalks green onions, chopped

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – One Pot Delightful Feast

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The Best Nando’s Portuguese chicken and rice with paprika, garlic, oregano, and tender chicken cooked over aromatic rice. A delicious one pot dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish / One-Pot Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Chicken Seasoning

1 kg chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)

2 tbsp paprika (sweet or regular)

1 tbsp garlic powder (or freshly minced garlic)

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp coriander

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt preferred)

1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)

For the Rice

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium red capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded and diced

1½ cups basmati rice (or long-grain rice)

1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

1 tsp turmeric powder

3 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For Serving

Perinaise or hot sauce

2 stalks green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the seasoning mixture and set aside.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced red capsicum and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.

Add Rice: Stir in the basmati rice and mix well so the grains absorb the flavorful oil and aromatics.

Build the Dish: Add chicken stock, turmeric powder, chili flakes, and frozen peas (if using). Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.

Cook: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Rest: Remove from heat and let the pot rest uncovered for 10 minutes. This helps the rice finish steaming and become fluffy.

Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, plate the chicken and rice, drizzle with Perinaise or hot sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

Basmati rice works best because it stays light and fluffy during cooking.

For stronger peri-peri flavor, add extra chili flakes or hot sauce.

Bone-in chicken thighs can be used but may require a slightly longer cooking time.

If the rice feels slightly firm, cover and steam for an additional 3–5 minutes.

Find it online: http://elladishes.com/nandos-portuguese-chicken-and-rice-one-pot-delightful-feast/