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Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Savory Portuguese Chicken and Rice for Busy Weeknight Dinners

This Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that's quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and sure to please the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 thighs skinless, boneless chicken
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika can be used
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon coriander can be omitted
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey as a replacement
  • 1 teaspoon cooking salt kosher salt recommended
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 medium onion diced, red or yellow
  • 1 medium red capsicum diced
  • 1 cup basmati rice or long/medium grain rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder can be omitted
  • 2 cups chicken stock/broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup frozen peas or fresh peas
For Serving
  • to taste Perinaise or hot sauce or yogurt as an alternative
  • 2 tablespoons green onion chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this mixture and set aside to marinate briefly.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and sear the other side, then remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then add the diced capsicum and sauté for another 1.5 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Stir in the basmati rice, coating it with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle with turmeric and frozen peas. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes.
  6. Once done, turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes covered. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
  7. Dish out portions, drizzling with Perinaise or hot sauce and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Monitor heat while cooking to avoid burning, and let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking.

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