Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of sizzling spices wafted through my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel transported to a lively Portuguese market, full of vibrant colors and rich flavors. This One-Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice is my go-to dish for busy nights, delivering comfort and satisfaction in less time than it takes to order takeout. Combining tender marinated chicken thighs with fluffy turmeric rice, bell peppers, and peas, it’s a quick-cook wonder that pleases the whole family. The best part? Minimal cleanup means more time to savor your delicious meal. Are you ready to bring a taste of Nando’s into your home? Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Best: This One-Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice can be cooked in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates an irresistible taste that echoes the vibrant flavors of Nando’s. Family-Approved: It’s a meal the whole family will love, easily satisfying picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary preferences, like using chickpeas in place of chicken. Quick Cleanup: With everything cooked in a single pot, you can savor your dinner and relax without stress about the dishes! Portuguese Chicken and Rice Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade Chicken Thighs – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Paprika – Provides smokiness and color; sweet or regular variety can be used. Garlic Powder – Imparts savory depth; fresh minced garlic can be used for a stronger flavor. Dried Oregano – Adds a herby note, essential for the seasoning blend. Ground Coriander – Enhances flavor complexity. Cayenne Pepper – Introduces spice; omit for a milder flavor. Brown Sugar – Balances spices; can be reduced or omitted if desired. Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and rice. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For cooking and flavor. Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors; apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternative. For the Rice and Veggies Garlic (Minced) – Fresh garlic for sautéing. Onion (Diced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the veggie base. Red Bell Pepper (Diced) – Provides crunch and sweetness; other colored bell peppers can be substituted. Basmati Rice – The primary carb; swap with long or medium grain rice; avoid instant rice. Turmeric Powder – Colors the rice vibrantly and offers earthy flavor. Low Sodium Chicken Stock or Broth – Base for rice cooking; vegetable broth can replace for vegetarian versions. Frozen Peas – Adds sweetness and nutrition; can use other frozen vegetables if preferred. Optional Toppings Perinaise – A spicy sauce to drizzle on top for extra flavor; alternatively, use garlic mayo or yogurt sauce. Green Onion (Finely Sliced) – For garnish and added freshness. This flavorful Portuguese Chicken and Rice will quickly become a favorite recipe in your home, making weeknight dinners not only stress-free but something to look forward to. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Portuguese Chicken and Rice Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, kosher salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this spice blend, ensuring every piece is covered. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if time allows, to deepen the flavors. Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat, adding a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the pot, allowing them to sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot. Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics Lower the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add minced garlic and diced onion to the pot, stirring frequently for about 1 minute or until fragrant. The onion should become translucent, creating a delicious aromatic base. This is the perfect time to incorporate the vibrant diced red bell pepper as well, cooking it until softened, about 1½ minutes. Step 4: Add the Rice and Spices Stir in the basmati rice, mixing it well with the sautéed vegetables to toast lightly. Next, add the turmeric powder, chicken stock, frozen peas, and kosher salt. Combine everything thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed and the rice is well-coated in the spices. The golden turmeric will add a beautiful color to the dish, making the Portuguese Chicken and Rice even more appealing. Step 5: Arrange the Chicken and Simmer Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, pouring any collected juices back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes undisturbed. This step ensures the rice absorbs all the flavors while the chicken finishes cooking perfectly. Step 6: Let it Rest After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Let the dish rest for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in fluffy and flavorful rice beneath the tender chicken. Step 7: Fluff and Serve Finally, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, integrating the chicken pieces throughout the dish. This will combine the spices and flavors beautifully. Serve your Portuguese Chicken and Rice warm, optionally drizzling with perinaise or your favorite sauce, and garnishing with finely sliced green onions for a burst of freshness. Portuguese Chicken and Rice Variations Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own; you’ll discover delightful twists that suit your preferences! Extra Veggies: Add corn, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrition boost. This colorful addition not only amps up the taste but also enhances the dish’s vibrancy. Bone-In Chicken: Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in pieces for deeper flavors. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked to achieve the perfect tenderness within the rice. Citrus Zing: For a pop of freshness, mix in lemon zest before serving. This little touch can brighten the entire dish. Cheesy Delight: Cheese lovers can top the finished dish with grated cheddar or feta for a creamy addition. The meltiness will create a rich flavor contrast. Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This is perfect for those who crave an extra spicy kick. Mediterranean Flair: Swap the spices for a herby blend, utilizing thyme and rosemary, complementing the chicken beautifully while adding a Romanian twist to your dish. Coconut Rice: Use coconut milk instead of chicken stock to infuse the rice with a tropical flavor. Pair it with shredded coconut on top for an exotic finish. Plant-Based Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian twist. This adaptation doesn’t sacrifice flavor at all! Incredible options like these allow you to explore the wonderful world of flavors! And if you enjoy experimenting with chicken, you might want to try my Indian Butter Chicken or Honey Butter Chicken for more exciting meals. Make Ahead Options These Portuguese Chicken and Rice are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can sauté the garlic, onion, and red bell pepper, then prepare the rice mixture and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring all elements are ready when you need them. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients, simmer everything gently, and let it rest to achieve that perfect fluffy rice as it finishes cooking. This makes your busy weeknights effortless and brings a delightful home-cooked meal to the table with minimal fuss! What to Serve with Portuguese Chicken and Rice As you dish up this vibrant one-pot wonder, consider complementing its bold flavors with sides that enhance the overall experience. Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra juices, a side of warm, garlicky bread adds comfort and crunch to your meal. Simple Green Salad: Tossed with fresh greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad offers a refreshing balance to the hearty chicken and rice. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets provide a nutritious crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken and fluffy rice. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies with olive oil and herbs, roasting until caramelized. Their sweetness and textures work wonderfully with the dish. Tangy Coleslaw: A zesty slaw adds a crunchy, cool element, enhancing the flavors while providing a lovely color contrast on your plate. Spicy Peri-Peri Sauce: Drizzle this classic condiment atop your Portuguese Chicken and Rice for an extra kick that echoes the dish’s vibrant roots. Sparkling Lemonade: The citrusy fizz will refresh your palate, offering a delightful contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of the chicken. Fruit Salad for Dessert: Conclude with a light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits; its natural sweetness cleanses the palate beautifully after the hearty meal. Expert Tips for Portuguese Chicken and Rice Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Ensure the chicken is marinated long enough to absorb the spices—overnight is ideal for a deeper taste. Avoid Stirring: Once you add the rice and broth, do not stir during simmering; this prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Rice Choice Matters: Use basmati rice instead of instant varieties for the best texture. Instant rice can lead to uneven cooking and a less satisfying result. Customize for Dietary Preferences: For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth in your Portuguese Chicken and Rice. Finishing Touches: Letting the pot rest covered after cooking helps maintain moisture and results in perfectly fluffy rice. How to Store and Freeze Portuguese Chicken and Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent drying out. Freezer: Freeze portions in resealable bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To ensure best flavor and texture when reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to the pot to revive the rice while warming it back up. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Portuguese Chicken and Rice out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs What type of chicken can I use for this recipe? You can use chicken thighs for their rich flavor, but chicken breasts are a great leaner alternative. If you prefer dark meat, go for bone-in chicken thighs—just be sure to pre-cook them before simmering with the rice for even cooking. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover Portuguese Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—adding a splash of chicken stock or water helps prevent it from drying out! Can I freeze Portuguese Chicken and Rice? Absolutely! You can freeze portions in resealable bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding a touch of water or broth to maintain moisture. What if my rice turns out mushy? To avoid mushy rice, ensure you don’t stir it while it simmers—this keeps the grains intact. Also, be sure to measure your liquid accurately. If you encounter mushy rice, it’s often because too much liquid has been added or it was stirred too much during cooking. Is this recipe safe for different dietary needs? Yes! This dish is versatile—feel free to substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. However, if you have specific allergies, always check the ingredient labels to ensure safety. How do I know if my ingredients are ripe or fresh? For vegetables like bell peppers and onions, look for bright colors and no dark spots or blemishes; they should feel firm to the touch. For the chicken, choose pieces that are moist and pink, without any off smells. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of your Portuguese Chicken and Rice! Savory Portuguese Chicken and Rice for Busy Weeknights No ratings yet Experience the rich flavors of Portuguese Chicken and Rice, a delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: PortugueseCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Marinade1 pound Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts2 tablespoons Paprika Sweet or regular variety1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used1 teaspoon Dried Oregano1 teaspoon Ground Coriander1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Omit for milder flavor1 teaspoon Brown Sugar Can be reduced or omitted1 teaspoon Kosher Salt2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternativeFor the Rice and Veggies3 cloves Garlic (Minced) Fresh garlic for sautéing1 medium Onion (Diced)1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Diced) Other colored bell peppers can be substituted1 cup Basmati Rice Swap with long or medium grain rice1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock or Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian versions1 cup Frozen Peas Can use other frozen vegetables if preferredOptional Toppingsto taste Perinaise A spicy sauce for extra flavor2 tablespoons Green Onion (Finely Sliced) For garnish Equipment Mixing BowlLarge pot or Dutch oven Method InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, kosher salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. Heat a large pot over high heat, adding a splash of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pot, searing for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pot. Lower the heat to medium and add more olive oil if necessary. Add minced garlic and diced onion, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced bell pepper and cook until softened, about 1½ minutes. Stir in the basmati rice, mixing it with the sautéed vegetables. Add turmeric powder, chicken stock, frozen peas, and kosher salt. Combine thoroughly, coating the rice with spices. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, adding any collected juices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, reduce to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from heat but keep covered. Let the dish rest for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking. Use a fork to fluff the rice and integrate the chicken. Serve warm, optionally drizzling with perinaise and garnishing with sliced green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg NotesThis flavorful Portuguese Chicken and Rice will quickly become a favorite recipe, making weeknight dinners stress-free and enjoyable. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
