Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, fiery flavors and delivers the perfect balance of juicy chicken and fragrant rice, you are going to love this Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s an inspired one-pot wonder packed with peri-peri seasonings that make every bite sing with warmth and spice, all while being delightfully simple to prepare. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for friends, this recipe has become a beloved favorite for all who try it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in using straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play an important role—from the tender chicken thighs to the vibrant paprika and turmeric that infuse the dish with color and character.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (500g / 1 lb): Perfectly tender and juicy, these bite-sized pieces soak up all the delicious seasoning.
• Sweet paprika (2 tsp): Adds a smoky sweetness and beautiful red hue to the chicken seasoning.
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic (1 tsp / 1 clove): Gives the dish a fragrant punch that enhances every savory bite.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp): Lends an earthy, herbaceous note essential in Portuguese-inspired flavors.
• Ground coriander (1/4 tsp): Offers subtle citrus undertones that brighten the seasoning blend.
• Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds an adjustable kick of heat for those who like it spicy.
• Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balances out the heat with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
• Kosher or cooking salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
• Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Used for marinating and sautéing, it brings a rich fruitiness to the meal.
• Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (1/2 tbsp): Adds a bright acidity that tenderizes and freshens the chicken.
• Garlic cloves (2): Minced finely to flavor the rice base with savory depth.
• Small onion (1): Diced for sweetness and texture to complement the rice.
• Red capsicum (bell pepper) (1): Provides vibrant color and a mild crunch.
• Basmati rice (1½ cups): A fragrant, fluffy rice that soaks up all the delicious juices perfectly.
• Chili flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): A hint of extra heat for the adventurous palate.
• Turmeric powder (2 tsp): Imparts a golden-yellow color and subtle earthiness.
• Low-sodium chicken stock (2¼ cups): Keeps the rice moist and infuses it with savory richness.
• Frozen peas (1 cup): Adds pops of sweetness and vibrant green color.
• Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): For seasoning the rice perfectly.

How to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by mixing all the Portuguese Chicken Seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with this vibrant mixture. Letting it sit for some time, or even refrigerating overnight, deeply infuses the chicken with that iconic peri-peri flavor that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add the chicken and sear until it’s lightly browned and sealed, locking in the juices without needing a full golden crust. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside, leaving the flavorful oil behind.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Into the same pot, add the finely minced garlic and diced onion, cooking just until fragrant and the onion turns translucent. Then toss in the chopped red capsicum, cooking a bit longer to soften while keeping that fresh pop of color and flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat each grain in the aromatic vegetable and oil mixture. Sprinkle in chili flakes and turmeric powder for heat and color, then pour in the chicken stock. Toss in frozen peas and season with salt. Arrange the seared chicken evenly over the top, including any juices that collected, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Steam with Care

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the rice and chicken cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to steam perfectly while absorbing all those gorgeous flavors.

Step 6: Rest and Finish

Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered for an extra 10 minutes. This resting period lets the rice fully steam and the flavors meld together, creating that cozy, comforting feel you crave in a one-pot meal.

Step 7: Serve Up Your Creation

Gently fluff the rice with a fork, making sure not to break up the chicken pieces. Spoon generous portions into bowls and get ready for the best Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe experience you’ve ever had at home.

How to Serve Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch for this dish is a dollop of Perinaise or your favorite pink sauce. It adds a creamy, tangy contrast that cools down the heat elegantly. Freshly sliced green onions bring a slight crunch and herbal brightness that wakes up every mouthful.

Side Dishes

Since this is a hearty one-pot meal, lighter sides such as a simple leafy green salad or grilled veggies make excellent companions. You could also offer crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices leftover on the plate—it never goes to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice in warmed tortilla wraps with some extra sauce for a portable meal perfect for picnics or casual gatherings. Alternatively, pack it in meal prep containers for an exciting lunch that transports you straight to those spicy Portuguese flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooled before freezing to preserve moisture and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if the rice feels dry. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly and bring back that freshly cooked taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook it as it dries out faster than thighs. Marinating and cooking just until done helps keep it juicy.

Is this Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe very spicy?

The heat level is customizable! The cayenne and chili flakes are optional, so you can adjust them based on your spice tolerance. The dish is flavorful even without much spice.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can swap chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The spices are the heart of this recipe, so those flavors shine through regardless.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Basmati rice is ideal thanks to its fluffy texture and aromatic quality, but long or medium grain rice are great substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor, and you can chop vegetables early to save time. Just combine and cook everything fresh on the day for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the joy of restaurant-style peri-peri into your own kitchen. It’s bursting with flavor, straightforward to make, and perfect for just about any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try, gather your loved ones, and savor every delicious bite of this wonderful dish.

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