Name: Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (Fluffy rice works best.); 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces (You can also use thighs for juicier meat.); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) (Add more cheese for a gooey top.); 1/4 cup olive oil (For browning the chicken.); 1/4 cup chicken broth (Use warm broth for even heating.); Fresh herbs (Optional for garnish.)

why make this recipe

This baked Portuguese chicken rice is warm, simple, and full of flavor. It uses basic spices and good pantry items. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests. If you like similar baked rice dishes, try this Macau-style baked Portuguese chicken rice recipe for another take.

introduction

Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice mixes cooked rice, seasoned chicken, broth, and cheese. You brown the chicken, layer it with rice, add broth, and bake until bubbly. The dish is comforting and easy to change with what you have.

how to make Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice

Start by seasoning and browning the chicken. Spread cooked rice in a dish. Put the browned chicken on top. Pour in chicken broth and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the top is golden. For tips on browning chicken well, look at this simple recipe for baked crunchy hot honey chicken which uses the same browning ideas.

Ingredients :

2 cups of cooked rice
1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
Fresh herbs (optional for garnish)

For more cheese and bake ideas, see this baked garlic recipe for inspiration: baked garlic parmesan chicken.

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until it’s browned.
In a baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly.
Layer the cooked chicken over the rice.
Pour chicken broth over the layers.
Top with cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.

how to serve Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice

Serve this dish hot from the oven. A green salad or steamed vegetables go well on the side. For a different plate idea, pair it with flavors like in this creamy parmesan baked Caesar chicken dish.

how to store Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice

Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until hot.

tips to make Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice

Brown the chicken well. A good sear gives more flavor. See a similar method in this chicken shawarma crispy rice salad recipe.
Use warm chicken broth so the bake heats evenly.
Use cooked rice that is not too wet. Fluffy rice works best.
Add more cheese if you like a gooey top.
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven.

variation (if any)

Add vegetables: peas, corn, or bell peppers.
Use different cheese: pepper jack for spice or Swiss for mild taste.
Try thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Add a splash of white wine to the broth for more depth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use uncooked rice?
A: No. This recipe uses cooked rice so the bake finishes evenly.

Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Just shred the chicken and skip the browning step. Add it in step 5.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No. It is mild. Add cayenne or hot paprika if you want heat.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese?
A: Yes. The bake will be slightly less rich but still tasty.

Conclusion

For a different regional take on Portuguese chicken rice, you can compare this recipe with the detailed Macau-style version at Macau-Style Portuguese Chicken Rice on Food52.