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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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