Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice (Printable version)

A fast, flavorful meal featuring spiced chicken thighs and seasoned rice cooked together in one pot.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Chicken Seasoning

01 - 2.2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons paprika
03 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
04 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
05 - 1 tablespoon ground coriander
06 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Cooking Base

09 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 medium onion, chopped
13 - 1 medium red bell pepper, deseeded and diced

→ Rice

14 - 1.5 cups basmati rice, rinsed
15 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes
16 - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
17 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
18 - 1 cup frozen peas

→ Garnish

19 - Peri-peri sauce or hot sauce to taste
20 - 2 stalks green onion, chopped

# How to make it:

01 - In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Add chicken thighs and toss until thoroughly coated. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken thighs for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced red bell pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
04 - Add rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the aromatic oil and vegetables.
05 - Stir in lemon juice, chili flakes, turmeric, chicken stock, and frozen peas. Mix well.
06 - Place seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
07 - Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
08 - Remove from heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
09 - Fluff rice gently with a fork, mixing chicken and rice together. Serve in bowls, drizzle with peri-peri sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, meaning less washing up and more time to enjoy your meal.
  • Bold, vibrant flavors: A carefully balanced spice blend of paprika, coriander, turmeric, and oregano creates depth in every bite.
  • Quick and achievable: With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this is a genuine weeknight winner.
  • Dairy-free and wholesome: Naturally free of dairy, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
  • Crowd-pleasing and versatile: Serves 4 generously and adapts easily to different protein choices or spice levels.
02 -
  • Marinate ahead: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for up to 2 hours before cooking.
  • Don't peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid during the 15-minute simmer — the trapped steam is what cooks the rice perfectly.
  • Protein swaps: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breast pieces, adjusting cooking time as needed.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain rice texture.
  • Drink pairing: Pair with a crisp Portuguese white wine or a refreshing lemonade for the full experience.
  • Allergen awareness: Perinaise or hot sauce may contain egg or mustard — always check condiment labels if you have sensitivities, and verify all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
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