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Portuguese Chicken and Rice Everything comes together in one pot. The chicken slowly simmers in a rich, smoky sauce with peppers and peas, filling the kitchen with the kind of smell that makes everyone ask, “Is it ready yet?” Simple ingredients, big comfort.

Nando's Portuguese Chicken and Rice – One Pot Recipe

This one-pot Nando’s-inspired Portuguese chicken and rice is packed with bold flavors, offering a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The juicy chicken and spicy rice will transport you straight to a Portuguese-inspired feast!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rice resting 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Portuguese
Calories: 458

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (Tender cuts of chicken that stay juicy when cooked with rice)
  • Portuguese Chicken Seasoning:
  • 2 teaspoon paprika regular/sweet, not spicy
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper omit for less spice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar adds a slight sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust for different salt types
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for seasoning
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • For the Spicy Rice:
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for sautéing
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper capsicum, deseeded, chopped into 1cm/0.4" squares
  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice or long-grain rice; note that jasmine rice is stickier
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes omit for less heat
  • 2 teaspoon turmeric powder for color and flavor
  • 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth helps the rice cook
  • 1 cup frozen peas no need to thaw
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust for different salt types
  • For Garnishes:
  • Perinaise or any sauce of choice, such as pink sauce or a spicy mayonnaise
  • Green onions finely sliced

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne, brown sugar, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoning mix until well-coated. Set aside to marinate for a few minutes or refrigerate overnight if preferred. prep
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the outside is sealed and lightly browned (it won't become golden). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. prep
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 1-1.5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. prep
  4. Cook the rice: Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the oil and vegetables. Add the chili flakes, turmeric powder, chicken stock, frozen peas, and salt. Stir well. Spread the chicken evenly over the top of the rice, including any juices from the bowl. mix
  5. Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring the rice. mix
  6. Rest the rice: After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This step helps the rice firm up and allows the flavors to meld. finish
  7. Fluff and serve: Remove the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the rice and chicken into bowls, drizzling with Perinaise and sprinkling with sliced green onions. finish

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 555mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1434IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 3mg

Notes

A savory, flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner. Adjust the spice level by omitting or adding more cayenne pepper as desired. Serve with Perinaise or a homemade pink sauce for an extra flavor kick.

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