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Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice: 5 Irresistible Secrets

Nandos Portuguese Chicken Rice
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A flavorful one-pot chicken and rice dish inspired by Nando’s, featuring smoky paprika and tender chicken thighs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 kg chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cooking salt
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded and diced
  • 1.5 cups basmati rice
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Perinaise or alternative hot sauce, to taste
  • 2 stalks green onion, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix the spice rub: combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cayenne (if using), brown sugar, and salt. Add lemon juice and 1 tbsp oil to make a paste; coat the thighs thoroughly.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil and sauté the onion until soft and golden (about 5–7 minutes). Add minced garlic and diced capsicum; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rice, turmeric, and chili flakes; toast the rice for 1 minute to coat with spices.
  5. Pour in the chicken stock, scrape up any browned bits from the pot, then return the seared thighs to nestle on top of the rice.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
  7. After rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stir in frozen peas, cover for 3–5 minutes to heat through.
  8. Check chicken internal temperature with a probe; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not there yet, recover and cook a few more minutes.
  9. Finish with chopped green onions and dollops of Perinaise. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

    Nutrition

    Find it online: https://bakerslider.com/nandos-portuguese-chicken-rice/

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