Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering journey through Portuguese cuisine! Frango Oriental com Arroz is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant kitchens of Portugal. This one-pan wonder combines tender, golden-brown chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, creating a dish so irresistible that it will become an instant family favorite. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and elevate your home cooking with this simple yet extraordinary recipe that proves culinary magic doesn't have to be complicated!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the onion, bell pepper, and mincing the garlic.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coating on all sides of the meat.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a small amount of cooking oil.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color, creating a nice caramelized exterior.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping the remaining drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped bell peppers and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine with the vegetables, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add rice to the skillet and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine, ensuring rice is evenly distributed.
- Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, nestling them slightly into the liquid.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they remain juicy and flavorful during cooking. Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your seasonings! The combination of salt, pepper, and paprika creates a deep, rich flavor profile that makes this dish truly special.
- Master the Sear: When browning the chicken, resist the urge to move it around. Let it develop a beautiful caramelized crust by leaving it undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Rice Perfection: Toasting the rice before adding liquid helps develop a nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Low and Slow Finishing: The final simmering stage is crucial. Keep the heat low and the lid tight to ensure the rice cooks evenly and the chicken becomes tender.
- Resting Time Matters: Always let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a more delicious meal.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a bright, fresh touch to the finished dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
