What is Peri Peri Chicken Rice?

One-Pot Peri Peri Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where chicken pieces are cooked with rice, vegetables, and peri peri sauce all in one pot. Peri peri sauce is a spicy and tangy sauce originating from Portuguese cuisine, popularized by the Nando's restaurant chain.

Main Ingredient of Peri Peri Chicken Rice :

The main ingredient of Peri Peri Chicken Rice is chicken. Specifically, chicken thighs are commonly used in this dish. These chicken pieces are cooked with rice, vegetables, and peri peri sauce to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Peri peri sauce, which is made from African bird's eye chili peppers, is a key component that gives the dish its signature spicy and tangy flavor.

What Is So Special About Peri Peri Chicken Rice?

Peri Peri Chicken Rice is special for several reasons:

• Flavorful Spice: Peri peri sauce, made from African bird's eye chili peppers, provides a unique and fiery flavor to the dish. It adds a level of heat and complexity that sets Peri Peri Chicken Rice apart from other chicken and rice dishes.
• One-Pot Convenience: This dish is typically prepared in one pot, making it convenient to cook and clean up afterward. The chicken, rice, vegetables, and sauce all cook together, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the dish.
• Versatility: While the basic recipe includes chicken, rice, and peri peri sauce, it's highly adaptable. You can customize it by adding different vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or using different types of rice to suit your taste preferences.
• Balanced Meal: Peri Peri Chicken Rice is a complete meal in itself, combining protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that can easily feed a family or a crowd.

Quick and Easy Peri Peri Chicken Rice:

This Quick & Easy recipe has been designed with simple ingredients and methods that leave you with an amazing one-pot meal that is both delicious and flavorful while being super simple and quick. 

How to make Peri Peri Chicken Rice?

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and peri peri seasoning.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth or water and peri peri sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, pushing them down into the rice mixture.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
8. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with sundried tomatoes and chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Expert Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in peri peri powder for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful chicken.
2. Use Quality Peri Peri Sauce: Invest in a good-quality peri peri sauce or make your own if possible. The quality of the sauce will greatly impact the overall flavor of the dish. Look for a sauce that has a good balance of heat, tanginess, and spice.
3. Toast the Rice: Before adding the liquid, toast the rice in the skillet with a little oil. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice and helps prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
4. Sear the Chicken: Take the time to properly sear the chicken thighs before adding them back to the skillet with the rice. This creates a flavorful crust on the chicken and adds depth to the dish.

More Delicious Recupes:

1. Pepper Chicken Delight

2. Chicken Korma

3. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Recipe Card