Name: Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for rice); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 ½ cups long-grain rice, rinsed; 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the air fills with a mouthwatering blend of smoky paprika and tangy lemon, mingling with the savory aroma of sizzling chicken thighs nestled atop tender, saffron-hued rice. As you lift the lid from your pot, vibrant colors pop from the pan—ruby-red peppers, golden-brown chicken skin, and fresh, bright parsley leaves crowned on top. This is comfort food at its absolute best, the kind of dish that wraps you in warm, cozy flavors and effortless charm. Best of all, it’s all made in one pot—meaning less cleanup and more time to savor every delicious bite together.

Why You’ll Love This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe

Ready in 55 minutes: From marinating to perfectly cooked, this dish fits neatly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
Uses simple ingredients: Everyday pantry staples come together in a way that feels exotic yet accessible.
Perfect for beginners: Step-by-step guidance means even kitchen rookies can impress without the stress.
Impressive presentation: Serve this vibrant, colorful dish and watch your guests’ eyes light up with delight.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, swap chicken cuts, or add your favorite veggies—you’re in control!

Why This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe Works

The magic behind this recipe lies in the marriage of simple yet strategic techniques and ingredients. First, marinating the chicken in a smoky, zesty blend infuses deep layers of flavor right into the meat. Next, searing locks in juices and creates that irresistible golden crust that defines Portuguese-style chicken. Lastly, cooking the rice with the broth, sautéed aromatics, and tomato paste allows it to soak up all those savory, slightly tangy notes, resulting in fluffy grains brimming with taste. This dish champions the one-pot method, making everything come together harmoniously—flavor, texture, and ease.

Large white enameled cast iron pot filled with a vibrant chicken and yellow rice casserole, showing tender golden-brown chicken thighs nestled atop fluffy seasoned rice cooked with red and green bell peppers and garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley, the entire dish presented as a complete serving in the pot, photographed from a 3/4 angle on a white marble countertop with natural lighting, professional food magazine style photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture, yet you’ll find they are approachable and easy to source. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Chicken thighs or drumsticks: Juicy, tender cuts perfect for absorbing marinade and roasting beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps with searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
Lemon juice: Provides brightness and a subtle tang that balances the smoky spices.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced for pungent, savory depth.
Smoked paprika: Essential for that distinctive smoky flavor signature to Portuguese chicken.
Cayenne pepper: Offers just the right hint of heat to awaken the dish.
Dried oregano: Earthy herbaceousness that enhances complexity.
Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings to tie everything together.
Onion and red bell pepper: Aromatics that soften and sweeten, providing contrast to the spices.
Long-grain rice: Absorbs liquid beautifully and stays fluffy.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the rice and chicken.
Tomato paste: Adds body, slight acidity, and a hint of sweetness.
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: Garnishes that add freshness and a pop of color at serving.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Chicken thighs or drumsticks: Use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, though cooking times may vary.
Olive oil: Substitute with avocado or vegetable oil for a neutral option.
Smoked paprika: If unavailable, regular paprika plus a dash of chipotle powder can mimic the smoky vibe.
Long-grain rice: Basmati or jasmine rice work well but adjust liquid slightly to avoid mushiness.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Marinate overnight if possible: This deepens the flavor and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Pat dry chicken before searing: Ensures a golden, crispy skin rather than steaming.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan: Prevents hot spots and burning during cooking.
Don’t stir rice while it simmers: Keeps grains fluffy and prevents stickiness.
Rest covered before serving: Lets flavors meld and the rice fluff up perfectly.

How to Make Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a roomy bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken thighs or drumsticks in this vibrant marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to infuse the chicken with those bold, aromatic flavors that will define this dish.

💡 Pro Tip: Marinade left over? Drizzle it over cooked rice for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry to avoid splatter and place it skin-side down first. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside, keeping those flavorful juices locked in the pan for the next step.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches if needed for even browning.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor Base

Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the hot skillet and cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and an extra sprinkle of paprika, cooking for another minute. This deepen the tomato’s sweetness and lends gorgeous color and body to your rice later on.

💡 Pro Tip: Scrape up those golden bits from the chicken sear for rich, smoky flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Rice and Simmer Chicken

Pour in the rinsed rice, coating it in the tomato mixture. Add your chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Nestle seared chicken pieces gently on top of the rice. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist lifting the lid too often—steam is key for perfectly cooked rice.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for a final 5 minutes. This resting period lets steam finish cooking the rice and allows flavors to marry fully. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle fresh parsley across the top. Serve alongside lemon wedges for an added zesty burst.

💡 Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating brightens every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Skipping the marinade: Leads to less flavorful, dry chicken.
Not patting the chicken dry: Causes steaming instead of searing, losing that golden crust.
Stirring rice while cooking: Makes it gummy instead of fluffy.
Using the wrong rice: Short-grain rice can become mushy; stick to long-grain varieties for best results.
Too high heat when simmering: Can burn the bottom before rice is cooked.
Skipping rest time: Cutting into it right away means losing juices and flavor blend.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version:

Spicy Peri-Peri Twist

Add extra cayenne and a spoonful of peri-peri sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick inspired by Nando’s famous flavors. Serve with a cooling cucumber raita to balance the heat.

Garlic Herb Upgrade

Muddle fresh rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic into the marinade for an herbaceous spin that complements the smokiness wonderfully.

Veggie-Packed Power Bowl

Incorporate chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans with the onions and peppers for extra nutrition and crunch.

One-Pot Seafood Version

Swap chicken for firm fish fillets or shrimp and reduce cooking time accordingly. The rice will soak up the seafood essence beautifully.

Creamy Coconut Infusion

Replace half the chicken broth with coconut milk for a lush, tropical twist that softens the spice and gives a silky texture.

How to Serve Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe

Single white plate featuring one portion of chicken and rice dish, showcasing a tender chicken thigh nestled on a bed of fluffy yellow rice infused with spices, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley. The chicken skin is crispy and golden, with visible texture and slight caramelization, while the rice reveals separate grains and vibrant color. Natural lighting highlights the depth of the dish, arranged with a slight angle to emphasize layers of chicken resting on the rice, placed on a white marble surface, styled as a ready-to-eat serving from a food blog. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten each plate with chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and an optional sprinkle of toasted paprika for color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed kale, or warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning table centerpiece, serve the chicken and rice straight from a beautiful ceramic or cast iron skillet. Individual portions in colorful bowls with extra lemon wedges create a casual yet inviting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Fluff rice with a fork before storing to maintain texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—cool completely before packing into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice’s moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used but may cook more quickly and be less juicy, so watch closely.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate kick due to cayenne and paprika, but you can adjust spice levels easily to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins.

Do I need to rinse the rice?

Rinsing removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy rather than sticky.

Can I skip marinating the chicken overnight?

Marinating for at least 1 hour works well, but overnight really deepens the flavors.

What if my rice isn’t cooked after 25 minutes?

Add a few more tablespoons of broth, cover, and cook a bit longer until tender.

Can I cook this in a rice cooker?

This recipe benefits from stovetop cooking due to searing the chicken and sautéing veggies, so rice cooker use is not recommended.

How can I make this gluten-free?

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check the chicken broth to ensure no gluten-containing additives.

Final Thoughts

This Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration of bold flavors and cozy togetherness all wrapped up in one beautiful dish. Its simplicity belies the depth of flavor, making it a go-to for weeknights or weekend entertaining. Every time I make this, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of Portugal at my dinner table, and I hope it becomes just as special for you.

Have you tried this Nando’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice – The Best 2026 One-Pot Dinner Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍽️