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Portuguese Chicken and Rice

Ultimate Portuguese Chicken and Rice: A Cozy Family Favorite

This Ultimate Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender marinated chicken and fragrant rice, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika Use sweet or regular varieties for different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano No direct substitutes recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Omit for a milder dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Can be replaced with honey.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust quantity if using regular salt.
For the Rice Base
  • 2 cups Basmati Rice Avoid instant rice.
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Fresh peas can also be used.
  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper Can substitute with any sweet bell pepper variety.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
  • to taste Perinaise (Optional) Garlic mayo or yogurt sauce are good alternatives.

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Toss chicken thighs in the spice mixture until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside, keeping drippings.
  3. Add more olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in rinsed basmati rice, turmeric, chicken broth, frozen peas, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well-coated.
  5. Nestle seared chicken thighs back into the rice mixture and pour any juices on top. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 15 minutes.
  6. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the chicken throughout the dish. Garnish with Perinaise or garlic mayo, serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

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