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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

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  • Author: mohamed
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Portuguese
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A one-pot delight featuring succulent chicken thighs, fragrant basmati rice, and a vibrant blend of spices that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 kg Chicken Thighs (Skinless and boneless)
  • 2 tbsp Paprika (Sweet or regular)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder (Or freshly minced garlic)
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Coriander
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cooking Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • 1 medium Onion (Sautéed until golden)
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Deseeded and diced)
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice (Or long/medium grain rice)
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes (Optional)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth (Low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (Optional)
  • To taste Perinaise (Or alternative hot sauce)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (Chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, and sauté the minced garlic and onion until golden, around 5 minutes.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add marinated chicken thighs to the pot. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden crust forms.
  4. Mix in Veggies and Rice: Toss in diced red capsicum, and stir for a couple of minutes. Add the rice, coating it in the juices.
  5. Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in chicken stock along with turmeric and chili flakes (if desired). Bring to a simmer.
  6. Cook Until Done: Let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  7. Rest and Serve: Fluff the mixture with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions, and drizzle with Perinaise before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ingredients based on preferences or availability. Chicken breasts can replace thighs for a leaner option.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg