Home / Dinner / Arroz de Pato

Arroz de Pato

Shredded duck baked into saffron rice with chouriço and a crisp, golden crust — one of Portugal’s most comforting main dishes.

⏱ 30 minPrep time
🔥 1 hr 30 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Arroz de Pato

Arroz de Pato is duck rice elevated to a celebration dish — a golden crust of rice baked over tender, wine-braised duck and crowned with slices of chouriço. Every bite carries a smoky depth, the rich bird soaking into rice simmered in its own cooking liquid.

Traditionally a festive centerpiece for large families, it is baked until the top turns crackly while the inside stays moist and savory. Serve it straight from the dish with a simple green salad, letting the crisp edges be fought over.

Get the rice right every time with our How to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Brown the duck pieces in olive oil in a large pot, then set aside.
  2. In the same pot, soften the onion and garlic, add the bay leaf, paprika and wine, then return the duck, pour in the stock and simmer covered until tender, 45-60 minutes.
  3. Remove the duck, shred the meat, and strain the liquid; measure out 4 cups of it.
  4. Cook the rice in the duck liquid with salt until almost tender, about 15 minutes, then stir in the shredded duck.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with chouriço slices and olives, and bake at 400°F until the top is golden and crusty, 15-20 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The crispy top is the trophy — bake long enough to get browned edges. Some cooks lay thin bacon over the rice before baking for extra richness.

Rate this recipe

☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Sign in to rate this recipe.

Recipe details

Prep30 min
Cook1 hr 30 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →