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Delicious Nando's Portuguese Chicken served with rice in a vibrant one-pot meal

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

A one-pot meal featuring marinated chicken and rice infused with vibrant spices, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Portuguese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 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)

For the Dish

  • 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)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Mix paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl to create a spice blend.
  • Coat the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, and the spice mixture; let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

  • In a large pot, heat a bit more olive oil over medium heat.
  • Sauté the onions until they are golden, then add minced garlic and diced bell peppers until softened.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the pot and brown it on all sides, around 5-7 minutes.
  • Incorporate rice, chili flakes, and turmeric, stirring for a minute.
  • Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
  • If using, stir in frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Once completed, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and drizzled with peri-peri sauce.

Notes

For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. Adjust spices and add more vegetables as desired for nutrition and flavor diversity.
Keyword Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Nando's Portuguese Chicken, One Pot Meal