Name: Nando's Portuguese Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 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 (Bell Pepper) (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)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a delightful meal that combines juicy chicken thighs and perfectly cooked rice, all infused with bold flavors. This dish is not only tasty but also satisfying, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or get-togethers. Whether you’re a fan of Nando’s or simply looking to enjoy a flavorful homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

How to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

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 (Bell Pepper) (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)

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, salt, and olive oil. Add lemon juice and minced garlic, and stir to combine.
Coat the chicken thighs with the spice mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sautéed onion and diced red capsicum, cooking until the onion becomes golden.
Push the vegetables to the side and add the marinated chicken to the pot. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.
Once browned, add the basmati rice, chili flakes (if using), turmeric powder, and chicken stock to the pot. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
Stir in the frozen peas for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot, drizzled with Perinaise or your favorite hot sauce.

How to Serve Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Serve this delicious dish hot on a large platter or individual plates. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. Drizzle some Perinaise or your favorite hot sauce on top for an extra kick. Enjoy it with family and friends for a fulfilling meal!

How to Store Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps intensify the flavors. For best results, marinate overnight.
Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness of the dish.
Feel free to customize the spice levels by adjusting the cayenne pepper and chili flakes.
Add other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition.

Variation

You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Additionally, you can replace the basmati rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Just remember that they may take a bit longer to cook.

Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the cayenne pepper and chili flakes you use. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will even deepen overnight.

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Author: skinytaste-net
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful meal featuring juicy chicken thighs and flavorful rice, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, salt, and olive oil. Add lemon juice and minced garlic, and stir to combine.
Coat the chicken thighs with the spice mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sautéed onion and diced red capsicum, cooking until the onion becomes golden.
Push the vegetables to the side and add the marinated chicken to the pot. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.
Once browned, add the basmati rice, chili flakes (if using), turmeric powder, and chicken stock to the pot. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
Stir in the frozen peas for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot, drizzled with Perinaise or your favorite hot sauce.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for intensified flavor. Customize spice levels to your preference.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Nando's, chicken, rice, Portuguese, dinner, family meal