Name: Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs; 1 tbsp Paprika (sweet or regular); 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic); 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 1 tsp Coriander; 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional); 1 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Cooking Salt (Kosher preferred); 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (or Apple Cider Vinegar); 1 medium Onion (chopped); 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) (diced); 1 cup Basmati Rice; 1 tsp Turmeric Powder; 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock; 1 cup Frozen Peas (optional); to taste Perinaise or Hot Sauce; 2 tbsp Green Onion (chopped)

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Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that brings vibrant Portuguese flavors home, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is packed with delicious spices and tender chicken, making it a go-to for anyone craving a hearty meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re a fan of Nando’s or just looking for a new dinner idea, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice

This dish is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup!
Rich in protein thanks to the chicken.
Perfectly spiced with paprika and cayenne for a little kick.
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
This Nando’s chicken and rice is great for meal prep.
It’s a low-calorie option, ideal for healthy eating.
Perfect for serving at family gatherings or casual dinners.
Quick cooking time of just 55 minutes!

Ingredients for Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice

Gather these items:

1.5 lbs Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs
1 tbsp Paprika (sweet or regular)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1 tsp Coriander
0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cooking Salt (Kosher preferred)
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Lemon Juice (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
1 medium Onion (chopped)
1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) (diced)
1 cup Basmati Rice
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock
1 cup Frozen Peas (optional)
to taste Perinaise or Hot Sauce
2 tbsp Green Onion (chopped)

How to Make Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and let rest.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
Step 3: In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced red capsicum, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add basmati rice and stir to coat. Pour in chicken stock, turmeric powder, and frozen peas, if using. Nestle seared chicken on top.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a light simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes to fluff the rice. Serve with garnishes.

Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor - Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice

Keep these in mind:

Using skinless boneless thighs ensures tenderness.
Letting the chicken marinate improves flavor.
Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control salt levels.
This recipe fits perfectly into a low-calorie diet.

Best Ways to Serve Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice

Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair your chicken rice with a fresh salad for added crunch.
Serve with Nando’s peri-peri sauce for an extra kick.
Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals until warmed through. This makes it an excellent choice for Nando’s chicken rice takeaway!

Frequently Asked Questions About Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice

What’s the secret to perfect Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice?

The secret lies in marinating the chicken thighs well and ensuring the rice absorbs all the rich flavors from the chicken stock and spices. This will give you a deliciously moist and flavorful dish, reminiscent of a true Portuguese chicken dish.

Can I make Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice in advance. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prepping, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice?

One common mistake is not allowing the chicken to sear properly. Ensure it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients. Additionally, make sure to follow the cooking times closely for perfectly fluffy rice.

Variations of Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations to consider:

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with lentils or chickpeas.
Add diced vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
Try using brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain choice.
Experiment with different spices to create your version of peri-peri chicken rice variations.

Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor - Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Crockpot Butter Chicken for a comforting meal. You can also explore Chicken Noodle Egg Drop Soup for a quick and easy dinner option.