Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice: 1 Cozy, Powerful Pot

Name: Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper (capsicum), diced; 1½ cups basmati rice; ½ tsp chili flakes (optional); 1 tsp turmeric powder; 2½ cups chicken stock (low sodium preferred); ½ cup frozen peas (optional); Perinaise or spicy mayo; 2 green onions, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If your week feels like a never-ending group chat of deadlines, laundry, and “what’s for dinner?”, Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is about to become your new best friend. It’s smoky, a little zippy, just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds (without starting a family debate), and it all comes together in one pot—aka fewer dishes, more peace.

This recipe gives you juicy chicken thighs nestled into golden, fluffy rice that tastes like it’s been simmering all day… even though you absolutely did not have all day. Been there. Cooked that.

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

One-pot wonder: Chicken + rice + flavor party, no extra pans required.
Big comfort energy: The rice soaks up all the seasoned drippings like a tiny delicious sponge.
Weeknight-proof: Simple steps, forgiving timing, and it reheats like a dream.
Custom heat level: Keep it mild, or give it a little attitude with cayenne and chili flakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken seasoning

Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless) – juicy and flavorful, and easy to eat
Paprika – smoky-sweet color and flavor
Garlic powder – savory depth (fresh garlic works too)
Dried oregano – earthy and herby
Coriander – subtle citrusy warmth
Cayenne pepper – optional heat
Brown sugar – balances the spice with a hint of sweetness
Cooking salt (kosher is great) – makes everything taste like you meant it

For the cooking base

Extra virgin olive oil – for searing and flavor
Lemon juice – brightens everything (apple cider vinegar works in a pinch)
Garlic cloves, minced
Onion, chopped
Red capsicum (bell pepper), diced

For the rice

Basmati rice – fluffy, perfect grains
Chili flakes (optional) – adjust to your mood
Turmeric powder – golden color + warm flavor
Chicken stock/broth – low-sodium is ideal
Frozen peas (optional) – color + “look, I added veggies!”

For garnishing

Perinaise – that creamy finishing touch (or use pink sauce / hot sauce)
Green onion, chopped – fresh and pretty

How to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

1) Season the chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine your seasoning ingredients (paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne if using, brown sugar, and salt). Toss the chicken thighs until every piece is well coated.
Set aside while you prep the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

2) Sear the chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken about 5 minutes until it’s golden on the outside (it does not need to be cooked through yet).
Remove chicken to a plate and keep the flavorful oil in the pot.

3) Sauté the aromatics

In the same pot, add minced garlic and onion. Sauté about 1 minute until fragrant (the kitchen will smell like you have your life together).
Add diced red capsicum and cook another 1–2 minutes until it softens.

4) Toast the rice and build the pot

Stir in 1½ cups basmati rice and toss it around to coat in the oil and aromatics. This little step helps the rice taste extra rich.

Add:

Chicken stock/broth
Turmeric
Chili flakes (if using)
Frozen peas (if using)

Nestle the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture.

5) Simmer, cover, and don’t peek

Bring everything to a quick simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook 15 minutes.
Try not to lift the lid. I know it’s tempting. But every peek lets steam escape—and steam is basically the rice’s whole personality.

6) Rest and fluff

Turn off the heat, uncover the pot, and let it rest 10 minutes.
Then fluff the rice gently with a fork so the grains separate and everything mixes just enough.

7) Serve it up

Spoon into bowls, drizzle generously with Perinaise, and shower with green onions. Eat while it’s warm and cozy and you feel like a kitchen wizard.

My Best Tips for Foolproof Chicken and Rice

If your rice looks a tad wet at the end: Let it rest the full 10 minutes. That’s when it finishes absorbing everything and turns fluffy.
If your rice looks dry: Your heat may be too low or your lid isn’t tight. Next time, keep it at a gentle simmer before lowering, and use a snug lid.
Want it extra punchy? Add a little more lemon juice at the end. Brightness = instant “restaurant vibes.”
Don’t skip the sear: That golden color adds flavor that ends up seasoning the rice. It’s doing important work.

And if your sauce looks too thick? Don’t worry—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This is the kind of meal I make when I’m tired but still want dinner to feel special—like on those weeks when the to-do list is so long it needs its own zip code. I love recipes like Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice because the pot does the heavy lifting, and I get to feel like I “cooked” without spending the whole evening babysitting a stove. That’s my favorite kind of magic: minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice in a skillet with golden spiced basmati rice, seared chicken thighs, peppers, and fresh herbs. — Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice—juicy seared chicken thighs nestled in smoky, golden turmeric rice for an easy one-pot dinner.

FAQs About Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Just be careful not to overcook them. Thighs stay juicy, but breasts can work—sear lightly and keep the simmer gentle.

What can I use instead of basmati rice?

Long-grain rice works well. Medium-grain can work too, but it may be a bit softer and less fluffy.

Is cayenne pepper required?

Nope. Skip it for a milder version, or keep it if your family likes a little heat.

How do I store leftovers?

Let everything cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water so the rice loosens back up.

Can I freeze this?

Yes—freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.

Bring the Cozy Back to Dinner

There’s something deeply comforting about a dinner that tastes bold and flavorful and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. That’s exactly why Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Make it once, and you’ll see—this is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into a “wow, we should do this more often” moment.

Keep the Cozy Going: More Easy Dinner Wins

If you loved the one-pot comfort vibes here, you’ll probably want this easy One Pot Chicken and Rice for busy weeknights next (same cozy feel, even less thinking).
Craving that bright, lemony “restaurant” flavor again? Try Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta that tastes like a mini getaway—it’s fresh, simple, and totally weeknight-friendly.
Want another bold chicken dinner with a little kick? Bookmark Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for spicy-sweet, craveable comfort (it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast).
And if you’re building a “dinner safety net” for hectic days, don’t miss The Best Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights when life is a lot—future-you will be grateful.

If you make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (be honest… but I’m hoping for sparkle!).