Nando's Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Why Make This Recipe

This Nando’s Portuguese chicken and rice is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. It combines the smoky, spicy flavors of chicken with fragrant rice—all cooked in one pot. This is a great option for busy weeknights or for when you want to impress friends and family with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out!

How to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

500g/1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-size pieces)
2 tsp paprika (regular/sweet, not spicy)
1 tsp garlic powder (or substitute with a large garlic clove, minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne (can omit for zero spice)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tbsp lemon juice (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1 small onion (diced)
1 red capsicum (bell pepper, deseeded and chopped into 1cm/0.4" squares)
1 1/2 cups basmati rice (or long grain rice or medium grain rice)
1/4 tsp chili flakes / red pepper flakes (omit for not spicy)
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
Perinaise, Pink Sauce, or any other sauce suggestions
Green onion (finely sliced)

Directions:

Abbreviated Recipe:
Cook the chicken thighs with spices in a pot, stir in vegetables and rice, add broth, and let simmer until rice is fluffy.

Full Recipe:

In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne, brown sugar, and salt. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the garlic, onion, and red capsicum until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the basmati rice, chili flakes, turmeric powder, chicken stock, and the cooked chicken. Bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy.
Stir in the frozen peas and let it cook for another 5 minutes with the lid on.
Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Serve with your favorite sauce and garnish with green onions.

How to Serve Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

This dish is best served hot. You can plate the chicken and rice together, drizzling with your favorite sauce like Perinaise or Pink Sauce. Add an extra sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Tips to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

For more spice, keep the cayenne and chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
If you prefer a richer flavor, use full-salt chicken broth instead of low sodium.
Make sure to stir the rice a few times while it cooks to prevent sticking.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like carrots or zucchini. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different tastes or dietary needs.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use long grain or medium grain rice, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type.

2. What can I use if I don’t have chicken thighs?
You can use chicken breast, but it may require less cooking time. Alternatively, use tofu for a vegetarian option.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Make sure to use gluten-free sauces and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.