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+ servings
Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Savory Portuguese Chicken and Rice You'll Love in 30 Minutes

Enjoy this quick and delicious Portuguese Chicken and Rice, a flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs skinless, boneless
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika sweet or regular
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional
For Flavor and Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar or honey/maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt kosher preferred
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or apple cider vinegar
For the Vegetables and Base
  • 1 medium Onion yellow onion preferred
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) or any bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups Basmati Rice or long/medium grain rice
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas optional
For Cooking Liquid and Garnish
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock/Broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions for garnish
  • for serving Perinaise or Alternative Hot Sauce any spicy sauce

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt to create a spice mixture. Coat the chicken thighs in this mixture and set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add chicken thighs and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the oil.
  3. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add diced red capsicum and cook for another 1.5 minutes until tender.
  4. Add basmati rice, stirring to coat in the oil. Pour in chicken stock and add turmeric and frozen peas, mixing everything thoroughly. Place seared chicken thighs on top.
  5. Increase heat to bring to a simmer, then lower heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove from heat but keep covered for another 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
  7. Scoop servings into bowls, drizzle with hot sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 640mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate chicken ahead for deeper flavor; use low-sodium stock for best results; customize spiciness with cayenne or chili flakes; store leftovers properly.

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