Macau Style Baked Portuguese Chicken Rice

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: regular milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while regular milk is more affordable.

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: bone-in chicken

Chicken breast is leaner, while bone-in chicken is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor, while processed cheese is usually cheaper.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos provide a similar flavor at a lower cost.

Marinate chicken thighs with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and paprika for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, and bay leaves.

Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb liquid.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Garnish with parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens