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Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Elevate Dinner with Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Delight in Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice, a quick, protein-packed one-pot meal bursting with flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs best for juiciness
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Sweet or Regular
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional
For the Rice and Veggies
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock/Broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) diced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 cup Frozen Peas optional
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tbsp Cooking Salt Kosher preferred
  • 1 tsp Coriander
For Cooking and Serving
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp Perinaise or hot sauce, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with this spice blend.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then turn them and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
  3. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, and then sauté minced garlic and diced onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add diced red capsicum and cook for an additional 1.5 minutes.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
  4. Stir in the basmati rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the oil. Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle in turmeric, gently mixing everything. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture without stirring.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then cover tightly and reduce to low heat. Let it cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
  6. After 15 minutes, remove from heat but keep the lid on for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
  7. Spoon generous portions into bowls and drizzle with Perinaise or hot sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.
    Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Adjust spice levels to taste and feel free to add your favorite vegetables.

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