Budget-Friendly Portuguese Chicken & Rice | One-Pot Comfort Food

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is cost-effective.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and water with seasoning is a budget option.

bell pepper

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Zucchini is low-calorie, while cabbage is often cheaper.

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

Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in diced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

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

Sprinkle in paprika and stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Stir in rice, bay leaves, and season with salt and black pepper.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

Add peas and diced carrots, stir gently, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: