19 Portuguese Chicken And Rice Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
The Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes that are deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. One such dish is the Portuguese chicken and rice, a hearty and delicious meal that is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will explore the origins of this traditional recipe and share a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
This classic Portuguese dish is a staple in many households. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. To make this dish, first marinate chicken pieces in a blend of garlic, lemon juice, and paprika for at least an hour. Then, cook the chicken in a pot with olive oil and onions until it is golden brown. Add in some diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken broth, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Finally, add in your choice of rice and let it cook until it absorbs all the flavors. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
2of 20
Portuguese Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Skinless Boneless Chicken
Jambalaya is a popular Cajun dish that originated in the southern United States. This Portuguese twist on the classic recipe adds a unique flavor to the dish. Instead of using Andouille sausage, this recipe calls for chorizo, a spicy sausage commonly used in Portuguese cuisine. The smoky and spicy flavors of the chorizo pair perfectly with the tender chicken and rice. This dish is a great way to add a little Portuguese flair to your dinner table.
3of 20
Nando’s Portuguese Spicy Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Frozen Peas, Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic
Nando’s is a popular restaurant chain known for their flavorful and spicy chicken dishes. This recipe replicates their famous spicy rice, which is the perfect side dish for any meal. To make this rice, first sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot. Then, add in some diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Nando’s peri-peri sauce for that signature spice. Finally, add in the rice and let it cook until it is fluffy and full of flavor. Serve this rice alongside your favorite Portuguese chicken dish for a delicious and fiery meal.
4of 20
Portuguese Linguiça Rice
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sausage, Salt, Water, Rice
Linguiça is a type of Portuguese sausage that is often used in traditional dishes. This recipe combines linguiça with rice for a flavorful and hearty dish. First, cook the linguiça in a pot until it is crispy. Then, add in onions, garlic, and bell peppers and sauté until they are soft. Add in some diced tomatoes, chili flakes, and chicken broth, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Finally, add in the rice and let it cook until it is tender and infused with the flavors of the linguiça. This dish is a great way to introduce yourself to the deliciousness of Portuguese cuisine.
5of 20
George Mendes’s Portuguese Tomato Rice
Main Ingredients: Beefsteak Tomatoes, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper
George Mendes is a well-known Portuguese-American chef who has brought the flavors of Portugal to the United States. This recipe for Portuguese tomato rice is inspired by his cooking. To make this dish, first sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot. Then, add in some diced tomatoes and chicken broth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Finally, add in the rice and let it cook until it is tender and has absorbed all the flavors. This simple yet delicious dish is a great addition to any meal.
6of 20
Portuguese Rice | Video
Main Ingredients: Oil, Small Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Ground
If you prefer to learn by watching, this video is the perfect guide for making Portuguese rice. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow and the end result is a delicious and flavorful rice dish. The video also includes some helpful tips and tricks for making the perfect rice every time. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this video is a great resource for making the perfect Portuguese rice.
7of 20
Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This dish combines two Portuguese staples – chicken and potatoes – into one delicious and satisfying meal. To make this dish, first marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and spices for at least an hour. Then, cook the chicken in a pot with olive oil and onions until it is golden brown. In a separate pan, cook diced potatoes until they are crispy and golden. Serve the chicken and potatoes together for a meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
8of 20
Macanese Portuguese Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Sweet Paprika, Table
Macanese cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese flavors, and this chicken curry recipe is a perfect example of that. To make this dish, first cook chicken pieces in a pot with coconut milk, curry powder, and spices. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers and add them to the pot with the chicken. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then add in some diced potatoes and let it cook until they are tender. This flavorful and creamy chicken curry is a must-try for any fan of Portuguese cuisine.
9of 20
Portuguese Nandos Rice
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Salt, Oregano, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper
If you love Nando’s spicy peri-peri chicken, then you will also love this recipe for their signature rice. To make this dish, first cook the rice in a pot with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Nando’s peri-peri sauce. Once the rice is cooked, add in some diced bell peppers and let it cook for a few more minutes. This rice is the perfect side dish for any meal, especially when paired with some spicy peri-peri chicken.
10of 20
Portuguese Sweet Rice Dessert
Main Ingredients: Milk, Rice, Sugar, Cinnamon Stick, Cinnamon, Lemon, Egg
This traditional Portuguese dessert is a sweet and creamy rice pudding that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. To make this dish, cook rice in a pot with milk, sugar, and cinnamon until it is soft and creamy. You can also add some raisins or other dried fruits for extra flavor. This dessert is often served during special occasions and holidays, but it is delicious any time of the year.
11of 20
Portuguese Chicken and Lentil Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Chorizo, Brown Lentils, Red Onion
This hearty casserole is a comforting and filling meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. To make this dish, first cook lentils in a pot with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. In a separate pan, cook chicken pieces until they are golden brown. Then, layer the lentils and chicken in a casserole dish and bake in the oven until it is hot and bubbly. This dish is a great way to add some variety to your usual chicken and rice dinners.
12of 20
Portuguese Shrimp Mozambique with Rice
Main Ingredients: Large Shrimp, Garlic, Unsalted Butter, Modelo Beer
This dish is a popular seafood dish in Portugal and is often served at celebrations and special occasions. To make this dish, first cook shrimp in a pot with garlic, lemon juice, and spices. In a separate pot, cook the rice in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Once the rice is cooked, mix it with the shrimp and let it simmer for a few minutes. This flavorful and spicy dish will transport you to the beautiful beaches of Portugal.
This hearty soup is a staple in Portuguese cuisine, especially during the colder months. To make this dish, first cook cabbage, potatoes, and carrots in a pot with chicken broth and spices. Once the vegetables are soft, add in some diced sausage and let it simmer for a few minutes. This soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal, and it is also great for meal prepping and freezing for later.
14of 20
Chicken and Lentil Portuguese Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Chorizo, Brown Lentils, Red Onion
This casserole is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy chicken and lentils. To make this dish, first cook lentils in a pot with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. In a separate pan, cook chicken pieces until they are golden brown. Then, layer the lentils and chicken in a casserole dish and bake in the oven until it is hot and bubbly. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
This flavorful soup is a great way to incorporate more seafood into your diet. To make this dish, cook fish, shrimp, and clams in a pot with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. In a separate pan, cook diced potatoes until they are soft and add them to the soup. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, and then serve with some crusty bread on the side. This soup is a seafood lover’s dream.
16of 20
Portuguese Sweet Rice Pudding
Main Ingredients: Water, Rice, Milk, Sugar, Lemon Rind, Cinnamon, Egg
This version of sweet rice pudding is a little different from the traditional one mentioned earlier. To make this dish, cook rice in a pot with milk, sugar, and lemon zest until it is soft and creamy. Once the rice is cooked, add in some raisins and let it cool. This pudding is often served cold and topped with some cinnamon for a delicious and refreshing dessert.
17of 20
Sopa Juliana – Portuguese Cabbage Soup
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Large Potatoes, Carrots, Water, Rice, Onion
This soup is a popular dish in Portugal and is often served as a starter or as a light meal. To make this dish, cook cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a pot with chicken broth and spices. Once the vegetables are soft, add in some cooked pasta and let it simmer for a few more minutes. This simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
This dish is a great way to enjoy succulent scallops with a Portuguese twist. To make this dish, first cook scallops in a pan until they are golden brown. In a separate pan, cook garlic, lemon juice, and white wine until it is reduced. Pour the sauce over the scallops and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Serve the scallops over a bed of rice or with some crusty bread for a delicious and elegant meal.
19of 20
Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bacon Fat, Diced Onion, Minced
This simple yet flavorful rice dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. To make this dish, cook rice in a pot with diced tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Once the rice is cooked, add in some sliced sausage and let it cook for a few more minutes. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and it pairs well with any protein of your choice.
20of 20
Portuguese Style Broccoli Rice
Main Ingredients: Water, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Long Grain Rice
Broccoli rice is a great alternative to traditional rice and is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this cruciferous vegetable. To make this dish, first cook rice in a pot with chicken broth, diced onions, and garlic. Once the rice is cooked, add in some chopped broccoli and let it cook until it is tender. This dish is packed with nutrients and is a great way to add some variety to your rice dishes.
The Origins of Portuguese Chicken and Rice
The Influence of Portuguese Colonization
The Portuguese chicken and rice recipe has its roots in the country's history of colonization. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers and traders traveled to different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, bringing back new ingredients and culinary techniques to their homeland. This fusion of flavors and cooking styles resulted in the creation of unique dishes, one of which is the Portuguese chicken and rice.
A Traditional Dish with Regional Variations
While the main ingredients of Portuguese chicken and rice remain the same, there are slight variations in the way it is prepared and served in different regions of Portugal. In the north, the dish is known as "Arroz de Frango à Moda do Minho," which includes chicken, rice, potatoes, and chorizo sausage. In the south, it is called "Arroz de Frango à Alentejana," which uses pork instead of chicken and includes clams, as well as rice and potatoes.
How to Make Portuguese Chicken and Rice
To make this delicious dish at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth, followed by the paprika and bay leaf.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions.
7. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
8. In the same pot, add the cooked rice and stir it into the remaining sauce.
9. Place the chicken on top of the rice and cover the pot. Let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Portuguese chicken and rice!
In conclusion, Portuguese chicken and rice is a delicious and hearty dish that reflects the country's history and cultural influences. With its flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables, it is a perfect meal for any occasion. So why not try making this traditional recipe at home and experience a taste of Portugal?
