Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

If Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice makes your brain instantly go, “Yes… but do I have the energy?”—hi, same. That’s exactly why this recipe is such a lifesaver. It gives you that bold, smoky, cozy, restaurant-style vibe without needing five pans, a culinary degree, or a kitchen meltdown at 6:12 p.m.

This is the kind of dinner that feels like you tried (because you did), but it’s still totally doable on a busy weeknight. Juicy chicken thighs, golden turmeric rice, sweet peppers and onions, and that little zing of lemon… it’s comfort food with a passport.

Why You’ll Love This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

• One pot, fewer dishes. Because the sink doesn’t need to judge you today.
• Big flavor, simple steps. The spices do the heavy lifting.
• Juicy chicken + fluffy rice. The rice cooks in chicken stock under the chicken, soaking up all the goodness.
• Customizable heat. Keep it mild for picky eaters or turn it up if you like a little drama.
• Leftovers are elite. It reheats like a dream (and sometimes tastes even better tomorrow).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Seasoning

• Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless) – juicy and forgiving (aka hard to mess up)
• Paprika – smoky sweetness and that gorgeous color
• Garlic powder – savory depth (fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy)
• Dried oregano – earthy, herby comfort
• Coriander – subtle citrusy warmth
• Cayenne pepper – mild heat (optional)
• Brown sugar – balances spice and brings a tiny caramel vibe
• Cooking salt (kosher is great) – don’t skip it; it wakes up everything

For the Cooking Base

• Extra virgin olive oil – flavor + helps brown the chicken
• Lemon juice – brightens everything (apple cider vinegar can sub in)
• Garlic cloves (fresh) – aromatic and bold
• Onion – sweetens as it cooks
• Red capsicum/bell pepper – sweet, colorful, and friendly

For the Rice

• Basmati rice – fluffy and perfect here (long-grain also works)
• Chili flakes (optional) – if you want extra kick
• Turmeric powder – golden color + warm flavor
• Chicken stock/broth – the secret to “wow, what IS that flavor?”
• Frozen peas (optional) – easy color + nutrition boost

For Garnish

• Perinaise – the fun finishing touch (pink sauce or your fave hot sauce works too)
• Green onion – fresh, pretty, and tastes like you had it together today

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

1) Season the chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine your chicken seasoning ingredients (paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne if using, brown sugar, and salt). Coat the chicken thighs generously. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor starts.

Set it aside while you prep the rest. (Translation: let the chicken marinate for a minute while you find the rice you swore you bought.)

2) Sear the chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes, until it’s golden and slightly browned on the outside. It should still be uncooked inside—that’s perfect.

Remove the chicken and keep the flavorful oil in the pot. That oil is basically “liquid delicious.”

3) Sauté the aromatics

In the same pot, add minced garlic and onion. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant (your kitchen will start smelling like you know what you’re doing). Add diced red capsicum and cook another 1–2 minutes until softened.

This is the cozy flavor base that makes the rice taste like it came from somewhere with string lights and patio seating.

4) Toast the rice, then build the pot

Add 1½ cups basmati rice to the pot and stir well, coating it in the seasoned oil. This quick step helps the rice cook up fluffy and flavorful.

Now add:

• chicken stock/broth
• turmeric powder
• frozen peas (if using)
• chili flakes (if you want extra heat)

Give it a gentle stir. Then place the seared chicken thighs right on top.

5) Simmer low and slow

Bring everything to a quick simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes.

Important note: Do not lift the lid. I know. I knowww. But trust the process. The steam is doing the work.

6) Rest and fluff

After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes. This helps the rice finish absorbing moisture and keeps it from turning mushy.

Then fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing things together without smashing the grains.

7) Serve it up

Spoon into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise, and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Take one bite and tell me this doesn’t feel like a mini vacation… minus the airport security line.

Aneta’s Little Kitchen Notes

This recipe reminds me why I love cooking with chicken so much—it’s forgiving, flavorful, and always ready to make you look like a hero. The first time I made Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice, it was one of those chaotic evenings where everyone was hungry right now. I threw everything into one pot, crossed my fingers, and somehow ended up with a dinner that got real silence at the table.

You know the kind of silence I mean—the “we’re too busy eating to talk” silence. That’s the good stuff.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use chicken thighs if you can. They stay juicy, even if you get distracted by a text and cook them a minute too long.
• Want extra tang? Add a small splash of lemon juice right before serving.
• Rice too wet? Leave the lid off for a few extra minutes after fluffing—steam will escape and it’ll dry out.
• Rice too dry? Add a splash of warm broth, cover for 2–3 minutes, then fluff again.
• Spice level control: Skip cayenne and chili flakes for mild. Add both for “hello, flavor fireworks.”

And if your rice looks a little uneven on the first fluff—don’t panic. It’s not a baking show. It’s dinner.

FAQs About Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Make Tonight Feel Easier

If you’ve been craving something cozy, flavorful, and simple enough for a regular Tuesday, Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is the answer. It’s warm, bold, and satisfying without being complicated—exactly the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together… even if there’s laundry on the couch.

When you make it, drizzle that Perinaise, toss on those green onions, and enjoy the magic—because Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice really is one pot of pure comfort.

Keep the Chicken Magic Going

• Craving another cozy one-pot chicken and rice dinner? Try One Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice for that creamy, family-friendly comfort (with a little Tex-Mex attitude).
• If you loved the peri-peri vibe and want a saucy twist, you’ll probably fall hard for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight With Garlic Rice—it’s bold, cozy, and basically a weeknight “treat yourself.”
• Want to keep the citrusy, bright flavor going? Make it a lemony dinner streak with Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo—fresh, easy, and perfect when you need something lighter but still satisfying.
• Planning leftovers (or just love bowl meals)? Add Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to your list for a fun, colorful spin that’s great for lunch prep and busy nights.

And if you made Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice, I’d love to hear how it went in your kitchen—please leave a quick star rating and a short review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (tell me if you went mild, medium, or “peri-peri brave” ).

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