This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice is a bold, flavor-packed one-pot meal that combines juicy peri peri chicken with fragrant, spicy rice. Made with a homemade peri peri sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying — all without extra dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold peri peri flavor with just the right heat
- Juicy, well-marinated chicken
- Fragrant, perfectly cooked rice
- One-pan / minimal cleanup
- Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Recipe Background
Peri peri chicken is inspired by African-Portuguese flavors, known for its spicy chili-based sauce with garlic, citrus, and vinegar. Pairing it with seasoned rice turns it into a complete, comforting one-pot meal. Cooking everything in the same pan allows the rice to absorb all those incredible peri peri flavors, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For Homemade Peri Peri Sauce & Chicken
- 1 small onion
- 2 dried red chilies
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 green chilies
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp vinegar
- ½ cup oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp parsley or coriander (fresh or dried)
- 600 g boneless chicken
For the Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice (washed & soaked for 20 minutes)
- 4 cups water
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 tbsp garlic (chopped)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors)
- ½ cup peas
- 1 chicken cube
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
- 3 tbsp peri peri sauce (from prepared sauce)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Large heavy-bottom pan or skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Peri Peri Sauce
Add onion, dried red chilies, garlic, green chilies, red bell pepper, lemon juice, tomato paste, vinegar, oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley/coriander to a blender.
Blend until smooth to form a thick peri peri sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Take ½ cup of the peri peri sauce and coat the boneless chicken evenly.
Let it rest for at least 20 minutes for best flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, brushing extra peri peri sauce on both sides while cooking.
Once cooked and slightly charred, remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Start the Rice in the Same Pan
In the same pan, add sliced onion and chopped garlic.
Sauté until fragrant, then add peas and bell peppers.
5. Season and Add Rice
Add cumin, turmeric, salt, chicken cube, tomato paste (or ketchup), and 3 tbsp peri peri sauce.
Add the soaked rice and stir gently to coat the grains with spices.
6. Cook the Rice
Pour in 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
Cook uncovered until most of the water evaporates.
7. Dum (Steam) the Rice
Cover the pan, reduce heat to the lowest setting, and cook for 10–12 minutes until rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
8. Serve
Serve the peri peri rice topped with grilled chicken.
Garnish with fresh coriander and extra peri peri sauce if desired.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking chicken
- Adjust chilies based on spice tolerance
- Always soak basmati rice for fluffy grains
- Use a heavy-bottom pan to avoid burning
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it extra spicy with chili flakes
- Swap chicken for prawns or tofu
- Add carrots or corn for more veggies
- Use less oil for a lighter version
What to Serve With Peri Peri Chicken and Rice
- Fresh cucumber salad
- Garlic yogurt sauce
- Coleslaw
- Lemon wedges
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze rice and chicken separately for best texture
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or reheat on stovetop covered
Nutrition Benefits
- High-protein meal from chicken
- Balanced carbs from basmati rice
- Rich in antioxidants from peppers and chilies
- Customizable for low-oil or lighter diets
Recipe Card Summary
Peri Peri Chicken and Rice (One-Pot)
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time: 35 mins
🍽️ Servings: 4
A spicy, flavorful one-pot peri peri chicken and rice recipe made with homemade peri peri sauce — perfect for easy dinners.
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