Description
Nando’s Portuguese Chicken & Rice is a flavorful dish inspired by the famous peri-peri chicken, featuring tender spiced chicken served over aromatic rice cooked with peppers, garlic, and warm Portuguese spices.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix peri-peri sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 35–40 minutes until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and bell pepper, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and bay leaf, coating the grains with oil.
- Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve grilled peri-peri chicken over the rice.
Notes
- Adjust peri-peri sauce quantity to control heat level.
- Chicken breasts can be used but may require shorter cooking time.
- Serve with lemon wedges or extra sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese