Dinner

Healthy Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: Healthy Portuguese Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 47 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 carrot, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon piri-piri seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup brown rice, rinsed; 2 skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup canned diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Byanna orden April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This healthy Portuguese chicken and rice dish is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and vibrant vegetables. With smoky paprika and a touch of piri-piri seasoning, it offers a comforting yet lightly spiced experience perfect for weeknight dinners.

A white plate with blue patterns holds a dish of four golden-brown crispy chicken thighs on top of a bed of cooked rice mixed with small red bell pepper pieces, all coated lightly with sauce. The chicken skin looks crunchy and seasoned, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs, mainly parsley, which also lightly covers the rice around the chicken. The rice grains appear separate and moist, soaking up some of the sauce that creates a slight shine on the dish. The background surface is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon piri-piri seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup brown rice, rinsed
2 skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and diced carrot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the smoked paprika, piri-piri seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the spices are fragrant.
Step 4: Add the rinsed brown rice and stir to coat the grains in the oil and spices for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Stir in the diced chicken breasts, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 7: Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle in the fresh parsley, and fluff the rice with a fork.
Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more piri-piri seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
Use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian; replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white plate with blue floral edges holds a dish with three golden-brown chicken thighs on top of a bed of cooked rice mixed with small red pepper pieces. The rice looks moist with a light sauce, creating a soft texture beneath the chicken. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled generously over the chicken and rice, adding a vibrant green contrast. The chicken skin is crispy and dark golden with some charred spots, making it look crunchy. The plate is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice will cook faster than brown rice, so reduce the simmering time to about 15-20 minutes and check for doneness.

Is piri-piri seasoning spicy?

Yes, piri-piri seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference or substitute with smoked paprika and chili powder for less heat.