Zesty Peri Peri Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Sizzling with vibrant flavors, this peri peri chicken recipe bursts with mouthwatering zest that’ll instantly awaken your taste buds.

Portuguese-inspired spices dance through every tender bite of the creamy peri peri chicken with rice, promising an explosion of heat and richness.

Tangy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings restaurant-quality meals straight to your kitchen.

Each forkful combines succulent chicken with a velvety sauce that packs a serious punch of flavor.

The simple yet bold ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Warm rice serves as the ideal canvas for catching every delicious drop of the spicy cream sauce.

You’ll fall in love with this easy-to-make meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 5

Items Needed for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

• Olive Oil: Helps infuse flavors and keep chicken moist, choose extra virgin for robust taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes chicken, select fresh lemons for zesty punch.
• Crushed Garlic: Provides deep aromatic flavor, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky undertone, look for high-quality Spanish varieties.
• Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herb notes, dried works best for concentrated flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning, use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Creates flavor foundation, select crisp and vibrant vegetables.
• Jasmine Rice: Provides fragrant and fluffy base, choose long-grain variety.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Turmeric: Brings golden color and earthy flavor, use fresh or high-quality ground spice.
• Frozen Corn: Introduces sweetness and texture, select premium quality corn kernels.

• Peri-Peri Sauce: Delivers spicy kick, choose authentic Portuguese-style sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious and smooth texture, use full-fat version.
• Additional Lemon Juice: Balances richness and adds final brightness.

Equipment List for Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

• Large bowl: For mixing marinade and coating chicken.
• Cutting board: To chop onions, bell peppers, and prepare ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To measure marinade and sauce ingredients accurately.
• Medium pot or Dutch oven: For cooking flavorful rice.
• Grill pan: To achieve golden-brown, perfectly grilled chicken.
• Small saucepan: For preparing creamy peri-peri sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and mix ingredients while cooking.
• Tongs: For handling and flipping chicken on the grill pan.

Step Guide to Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

• Flavor Infusion

Blend a zesty mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and let them soak up the delicious marinade in the refrigerator.

• Rice Foundation

Sauté colorful vegetables in a pot, awakening their natural sweetness. Introduce fragrant rice and liquid, allowing the grains to absorb rich flavors and become tender and fluffy.

• Sauce Creation

Craft a silky sauce by combining spicy peri-peri with velvety cream. Simmer gently until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, tangy drizzle.

• Chicken Transformation

Sear marinated chicken on a blazing hot grill pan, creating crispy edges and sealed-in juiciness. Each side should develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

• Culinary Ensemble

Arrange steaming rice as a canvas, crown with perfectly grilled chicken, and cascade the creamy peri-peri sauce over the entire dish. Each bite promises a symphony of bold, harmonious flavors.

Adjustments for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

• Adjust the peri-peri sauce intensity by mixing different brands or adding extra hot sauce for heat lovers, or diluting with more cream for milder palates.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu for versatile meal options that maintain the recipe's delicious flavor profile.
• Mix in toasted pine nuts, chopped cilantro, or roasted almonds to add crunch and elevate the rice's overall taste and nutritional value.
• Prepare marinade and sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners faster and more convenient.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted carrots directly into the rice for increased nutrition and color variety.

Serving Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Weekend Dinner Party Presentation: Arrange chicken on a large wooden board with rice artfully spread, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an Instagram-worthy display.
• Spice Level Customization: Set out extra peri-peri sauce and cooling yogurt on the side, allowing guests to adjust heat intensity and create personalized flavor profiles.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and mix with rice for a delicious next-day lunch wrap or grain bowl, maximizing meal potential and reducing food waste.

Smart Ways to Store This Chicken Dish

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare extra chicken and rice for quick weekday lunches or dinner shortcuts. Store components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store cooked chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions of chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. These meals last up to 2 months, providing convenient future dinner options.
• Reheating Pro Tip: Warm refrigerated or thawed meals in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.

Spicy Peri Peri Chicken With Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Portuguese-inspired peri peri chicken creates a bold culinary experience with zesty marinade and perfectly grilled meat. Diners savor intense flavors alongside fluffy rice, making each bite a satisfying Mediterranean-style feast.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (500g) skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• ½ cup peri-peri sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Lemon juice to taste
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to create a zesty flavor base.
2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Rice Foundation: In a medium pot, sauté diced onions and bell peppers over moderate heat until translucent. Add crushed garlic and turmeric, stirring quickly to release aromatic compounds.
4. Rice Cooking: Add Jasmine rice, chicken broth, and salt to the vegetable mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until rice absorbs the liquid. Fold in frozen corn, reduce heat, cover, and steam for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Peri-Peri Cream Sauce: Combine peri-peri sauce, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer and reduce until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Chicken Grilling: Heat a grill pan to high temperature. Char marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring thorough cooking.
7. Plating: Arrange fragrant rice on serving plates, position grilled chicken on top, and lavishly drizzle with the vibrant peri-peri cream sauce.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat fibers.
• Rice Perfection Technique: Stir rice occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution for fluffy, separate grains.
• Grill Pan Secrets: Preheat pan thoroughly and avoid moving chicken while grilling to create beautiful caramelized char marks and seal in juices.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Watch cream sauce carefully while simmering, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve desired thickness without scorching.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 180mg