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Plate of spicy Portuguese chicken served with flavorful rice

Nando's Portuguese Chicken and Spicy Rice – One Pot Recipe

A comforting, one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and aromatic spiced rice, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Portuguese
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 500 g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces Use boneless skinless thighs for best flavor and moisture
  • 2 tsp paprika Regular/sweet, not spicy
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Or substitute 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Omit for no heat
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher or cooking salt
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice Or apple cider vinegar
Other Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red capsicum (bell pepper) deseeded and chopped into 1 cm / 0.4" cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice Or long/medium grain rice
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Omit for mild
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth/stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas Do not thaw
  • 1/2 tsp kosher or cooking salt
  • Perinaise, Pink Sauce, or any sauce of choice
  • Green onion, finely sliced

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine chicken pieces with 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the other ingredients, at least 10 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and brown for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and diced onion; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in chopped red capsicum and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 tsp turmeric powder; toast the rice for 1 minute while stirring.
  4. Pour in 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and deglaze the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  6. Fold in 1 cup frozen peas and 1/2 tsp salt, fluff with a fork. Garnish with green onion and drizzle sauce before serving.

Notes

This recipe can be adapted for different spice levels. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.