Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe
Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken simmered with aromatic garlic and traditional spices, combined with perfectly cooked rice. This comforting classic showcases the rich culinary traditions of Portuguese cuisine, delivering a deliciously satisfying meal ideal for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3–4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
Garlic and Spices
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt during cooking to infuse flavor.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Remove the chicken temporarily and add minced garlic and chopped onions to the pot. Sauté until aromatic and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the bay leaf and pour in chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes to develop flavors and cook the chicken through.
- Add rice and simmer: Stir in the washed long-grain white rice evenly into the pot. Cover and continue to simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor; water can be substituted if necessary.
- Adjust spices to taste, adding more paprika or red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Check rice occasionally to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Keywords: Portuguese chicken recipe, chicken and rice, one pot meal, traditional Portuguese cuisine, easy dinner, comfort food
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/portuguese-chicken-and-rice-recipe/
