Comfort Food Dinner: Portuguese Chicken & Rice

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken & Rice (One-Pot) – Spicy, Smoky, and Saucy Comfort Meal

Introduction
This Nando’s-style Portuguese Chicken & Rice is a bold, one-pot dinner that brings smoky heat, juicy chicken, and fluffy, flavor-packed rice together in a way that’s nothing short of irresistible. Inspired by the famous peri-peri flavors, this dish uses a rich marinade and simple ingredients to create layers of spice and depth, all in one pan.

It’s saucy, colorful, and delivers that signature Nando’s tangy heat—without the need to head out or buy a bottled sauce. Perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe gives you juicy chicken thighs and seasoned rice soaked in the drippings and spices, all cooked in the same skillet.

Whether you’re a spice-lover or just looking to try something new, this dish will wake up your dinner routine in the best way.

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs bring deep flavor and stay moist during cooking. You can also use boneless if preferred.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice or basmati cooks perfectly in the juices. Jasmine rice works too, but avoid short-grain.
• Peri-Peri Marinade: A homemade version using garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, vinegar, chili flakes, and olive oil. It mimics Nando’s famous fiery sauce.
• Garlic & Onion: A flavorful base that complements the heat of the marinade and seasons the rice.
• Bell Peppers: Sautéed into the rice for sweetness and color.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the flavor and gives the rice that signature red hue.
• Chicken Broth: Cooks the rice with savory flavor while absorbing all the spices from the pan.

Substitutions: Use boneless thighs or chicken breast and adjust cook time. Add frozen peas or green beans for extra veg. Use store-bought peri-peri sauce for convenience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Peri-Peri Marinade
   In a bowl, combine:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt

Whisk to combine.

2. Marinate the Chicken
   Rub the marinade all over 4–6 chicken thighs. Let sit for 15–30 minutes at room temp (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
3. Sear the Chicken
   In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the Base
   Lower heat to medium. Add ½ chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1 minute more.
5. Add Rice and Liquid
   Stir in 1½ cups long-grain white rice, coating it in the mixture. Pour in 2½ cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for flavor.
6. Add Chicken Back In
   Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice, skin-side up. Cover tightly with lid or foil.
7. Cook One-Pot Style
   Transfer to a 375°F oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or simmer covered on the stovetop for the same time until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
8. Rest and Serve
   Remove from heat and let rest 5–10 minutes. Fluff rice, spoon sauce over chicken, and garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Control the Spice: Adjust chili flakes to your heat tolerance or swap for mild paprika.
• Crispier Skin: Broil chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispy finish.
• Use Store-Bought Sauce: Nando’s peri-peri sauce works well in place of homemade marinade—use ¼ cup.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, olives, or frozen peas before baking for color and balance.
• Make It Dairy-Free: This dish is naturally dairy-free—no swaps needed.
• Make It a Meal Prep Favorite: It reheats beautifully and makes for bold, satisfying leftovers.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Ideal for:

• Casual Weeknight Dinners: One pan and done
• Spicy Food Lovers: A dinner with a kick
• Meal Prep: Stays fresh and flavorful for days
• Laid-back Entertaining: Serve straight from the skillet at the table

Pair with:

• A simple cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing
• Warm pita bread or garlic flatbread
• Yogurt dip or tzatziki for a cooling side
• Iced tea or a cold beer to mellow the spice

Nutritional & Health Notes

This meal provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and spice-driven flavor with simple, whole ingredients.

• Chicken thighs offer rich flavor and iron
• Rice provides energy and absorbs spices perfectly
• Olive oil and garlic offer heart-healthy fats and immune-supporting properties
• Peppers and lemon juice bring in antioxidants and brightness

To reduce calories:

• Remove chicken skin after cooking
• Use chicken breast or boneless thighs
• Serve with extra veggies or a side salad

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes—boneless thighs or breast cook faster. Reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes and keep a close eye to avoid drying out.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot throughout.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just make sure your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.

How spicy is it?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust chili flakes and paprika to your liking. For more heat, add peri-peri sauce or fresh chopped chilies.

What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal. Basmati or jasmine both absorb flavor while staying fluffy. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice.

Can I make it on the stovetop only?
Yes. Keep it covered and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t burn or dry out.

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