Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a bold, flavor-packed one pot recipe inspired by the famous peri peri style chicken. Juicy seasoned chicken thighs are seared, then cooked with aromatic rice, peppers, peas, and warm spices for a vibrant and satisfying meal. If you love Nando’s spicy rice, this homemade version brings the same comforting flavors straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True one pot chicken and rice recipe
- Packed with smoky Portuguese chicken seasoning
- Customizable spice level
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly and halal-friendly
This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple pantry spices.
Ingredients
Chicken
500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
Portuguese Chicken Seasoning
2 tsp paprika (sweet, not spicy)
1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 large garlic clove, minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
Nando’s Copycat Spicy Rice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
2 tsp turmeric powder
2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken stock
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 tsp cooking salt
Garnishes
Perinaise or pink sauce
Green onion, finely sliced
Instructions
- Season the chicken – Mix all Portuguese chicken seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Sear – Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add chicken and cook until sealed and lightly colored. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving oil behind.
- Sauté aromatics – Add garlic and onion to the pot. Cook 1 minute. Add bell pepper and cook until onion becomes translucent.
- Add rice – Stir in basmati rice to coat in the flavored oil.
- Combine everything – Add chili flakes, turmeric, chicken stock, peas, salt, and the seared chicken with any juices. Stir once and bring to a simmer.
- Cook covered – Cover with lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not stir.
- Rest – Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes with lid on.
- Fluff and serve – Gently fluff rice, spoon into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise, and garnish with green onions.
This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice develops bold flavor as it steams, creating perfectly tender rice and juicy chicken in one pot.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not stir while cooking to ensure fluffy rice.
- Use basmati rice for best texture.
- Adjust cayenne and chili flakes for spice preference.
- Let the dish rest to finish steaming properly.
- Use halal-certified chicken stock and sauces.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot / Stovetop
Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Substitute chicken breast if preferred.
- Add corn or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Serve with a simple cucumber salad for freshness.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, omit cayenne and chili flakes for a mild version.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid slightly.
Can I cook this in a rice cooker?
It’s best on stovetop, but it can be adapted if your cooker allows sautéing first.
How do I prevent mushy rice?
Measure liquid carefully and avoid stirring during cooking.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it stores and reheats very well.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating: Add a splash of water and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
Similar Recipes
Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500 g / 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
Portuguese Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika sweet, not spicy
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne optional
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Nando’s Copycat Spicy Rice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt
Garnishes
- Perinaise or pink sauce
- Green onion finely sliced
Instructions
Season the chicken – Mix all Portuguese chicken seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Sear – Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add chicken and cook until sealed and lightly colored. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving oil behind.
Sauté aromatics – Add garlic and onion to the pot. Cook 1 minute. Add bell pepper and cook until onion becomes translucent.
Add rice – Stir in basmati rice to coat in the flavored oil.
Combine everything – Add chili flakes, turmeric, chicken stock, peas, salt, and the seared chicken with any juices. Stir once and bring to a simmer.
Cook covered – Cover with lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not stir.
Rest – Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes with lid on.
Fluff and serve – Gently fluff rice, spoon into bowls, drizzle with Perinaise, and garnish with green onions.
- This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice develops bold flavor as it steams, creating perfectly tender rice and juicy chicken in one pot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken breast if preferred.
Conclusion
Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a bold, colorful, and comforting one pot meal packed with smoky spices and fluffy rice. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. Once you try this homemade version, it may just replace takeout.