Portuguese Chicken and Rice – Easy One Pot Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Portuguese Chicken and Rice – Easy One Pot Recipe
Portuguese-chicken-and-rice-one- pinit

Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal with juicy chicken, seasoned rice, and colorful vegetables, making it a perfect choice for a hearty family dinner.

Inspired by Portuguese flavors, this easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice in a single pan. It’s simple to prepare, easy to clean up, and packed with delicious flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One pot means less cleanup
  • Full of bold Portuguese-inspired flavors
  • Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
  • Juicy chicken with fluffy seasoned rice
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
  3. Sear the chicken until lightly golden, then remove it.
  4. Cook the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  5. Stir in the rice and remaining spices.
  6. Pour in the chicken stock and mix well.
  7. Return the chicken to the pot.
  8. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes.
  9. Add the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

  • Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
  • Use smoked paprika for an authentic taste.
  • Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
  • Brown rice can be used but requires extra cooking time.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat with a splash of chicken stock to keep the rice moist.

Human Ending Line

The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and Portuguese-inspired spices makes this one-pot recipe a comforting meal that’s easy enough for busy weekdays and delicious enough for special family dinners.

Portuguese Chicken and Rice – Easy One Pot Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins
Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12

Description

Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal with juicy chicken, seasoned rice, and colorful vegetables, making it a perfect choice for a hearty family dinne

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
    3. Sear the chicken until lightly golden, then remove it.
    4. Cook the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
    5. Stir in the rice and remaining spices.
    6. Pour in the chicken stock and mix well.
    7. Return the chicken to the pot.
    8. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes.
    9. Add the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
    10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Note

Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts. Brown rice can be used but requires extra cooking time. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken stock to keep the rice moist.

Keywords: Nando’s Portuguese chicken and rice, Portuguese chicken recipe, one pot chicken and rice, easy chicken and rice recipe, peri peri chicken rice, homemade Nando’s chicken, one pot dinner recipe, Portuguese rice recipe, family chicken dinner, easy weeknight meal
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, both work well, but chicken thighs stay juicier during cooking.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice gives the best texture for this recipe.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with Portuguese chicken and rice?

It pairs well with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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