Easy Weeknight Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

My kitchen journey for the perfect spicy chicken dish was long. I wanted a recipe that was simple to make. It needed to have a special, fiery taste. I tried many store-bought sauces and marinades. But they never tasted quite right.

After many tries, I created a fantastic Peri Peri Chicken with Rice recipe. The sauce is made with vegetables roasted at 400°F. The chicken becomes so juicy and flavorful.

Key Takeaways

• Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor.
• Adjust chili amount to control spice level.
• Rest chicken before serving to stay juicy.

This guide will show you how to make this amazing dish perfectly.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

This snapshot gives you a quick look at the recipe details. It helps you know the time, effort, and serving size before you start cooking your meal.

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level	Spice Level
25 Minutes (+ overnight marination)	1 Hour 10 Minutes	1 Hour 35 Minutes (+ overnight marination)	4 Servings	Easy to Intermediate	Adjustable

Why is Peri Peri Chicken with Rice a Must-Try for Dinner?

This dish is a fantastic choice for your evening meal. It brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it a memorable dinner for any day of the week.

An Unforgettable Flavor Fiesta

The Peri Peri sauce is the star of this dish. It has a wonderful mix of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.

The roasted peppers, chilies, and garlic create a deep, smoky taste. This exciting flavor combination makes every single bite a true delight for your taste buds.

A Perfectly Balanced and Hearty Meal

This meal gives you everything you need. The chicken offers lean protein to keep you full. The rice provides good carbohydrates for energy.

Together, they create a complete and satisfying dinner. It is a wholesome dish that nourishes your body and tastes absolutely delicious at the same time.

Your Go-To for an Effortless Weeknight Dinner

Making this dish is surprisingly simple and easy. After marinating the chicken, the oven does most of the work. This leaves you with free time.

It is a great option for busy weeknights. You can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen cooking everything.

Customizable Heat to Suit Every Palate

You can control the spice level very easily. Use more Bird’s Eye chilies for a fiery kick. Use fewer chilies for a milder taste.

This flexibility makes the dish perfect for everyone. Your whole family can enjoy it. You can make it just right for your own preference.

How to Prepare the Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

This section will guide you through the entire cooking process. We will cover the ingredients you need and the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious meal.

Ingredients	Amount	Alternative
For the Peri Peri Sauce
Onion	1, chopped	Shallots
Bird’s Eye Chilies	2-4	Serrano or Jalapeño peppers
Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper)	1, chopped	Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper
Roasted Garlic Cloves	4-6	1 tsp Garlic Powder
Smoked Paprika	1 tsp	Sweet Paprika
Dried Oregano	1 tsp	Dried Basil
Dried Thyme	½ tsp	Dried Rosemary
Salt	1 tsp (or to taste)	Sea Salt
Black Pepper	½ tsp (or to taste)	White Pepper
Lemon Juice	1-2 tbsp	Lime Juice
White Vinegar	1 tbsp	Apple Cider Vinegar
Fresh Cilantro	2 tbsp, chopped	Fresh Parsley
Olive Oil	3 tbsp	Avocado or Sunflower Oil
For the Chicken
Chicken with skin	1.5 pounds	Chicken thighs or breasts (skinless)
For the Peri Peri Rice
Rice	1 cup, soaked	Basmati or Jasmine Rice
Butter or Oil	1 tbsp	Ghee or Coconut Oil
Water	2 cups	Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Step 1: Crafting the Fiery Peri Peri Sauce

First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chopped onion, red capsicum, and chilies on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 10 minutes until they are soft.

At the same time, roast the garlic cloves in a small dish with olive oil. Once everything is roasted, put all the roasted vegetables into a blender. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and blend until it is very smooth.

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Now, it is time to prepare the chicken. Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl or a resealable bag. Pour one cup of your freshly made Peri Peri sauce over the chicken.

Make sure every piece is coated well with the sauce. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious, spicy flavors from the sauce.

Step 3: Baking the Chicken to Perfection

Preheat your oven again to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray. Bake it for a total of 60 minutes.

It is very important to brush more Peri Peri sauce onto the chicken every 30 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and adds more flavor. For a nice charred effect, broil the chicken for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Cooking the Zesty Peri Peri Rice

While the chicken is baking, you can cook the rice. Heat the butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the soaked rice and fry it for two minutes.

Next, stir in a quarter cup of the Peri Peri sauce. Mix it well with the rice. Then, add two cups of water. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked and all the water is gone.

Step 5: Assembling and Serving Your Dish

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, you are ready to serve. Use a fork to fluff up the cooked rice. Place a generous portion of the Peri Peri rice on each plate.

Then, place a piece of the juicy, baked Peri Peri chicken next to the rice. You can garnish the dish with some fresh, chopped cilantro if you like. Your amazing meal is now ready to eat.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Result

Here are a few simple tips to help you make this dish perfectly. Following these suggestions will ensure your chicken and rice turn out delicious every single time.

The Golden Rule: Don’t Skimp on Marination Time

Letting the chicken marinate overnight is a very important step. This gives the meat enough time to soak up the sauce’s flavor.

A longer marination time makes the chicken much more tender and tasty. If you are short on time, try to marinate for at least four hours.

Choosing Your Chicken: The Best Cuts for Tenderness

Using chicken with the skin on helps keep the meat moist during baking. Chicken thighs are a great choice because they are naturally juicy and flavorful.

If you prefer chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them. Reducing the baking time slightly can help prevent them from becoming dry and tough.

The Secret to a Vibrant and Flavorful Homemade Peri Peri Sauce

For the best sauce, use fresh ingredients. Roasting the vegetables is a key step you should not skip. This brings out their sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the flavor.

Tasting and adjusting the seasoning before you marinate the chicken ensures the final dish is perfectly balanced to your liking.

Let it Rest: The Key to Juicy Chicken

After taking the chicken out of the oven, do not cut into it right away. Let the chicken rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat.

This simple step makes a huge difference. It ensures every single bite of your chicken is juicy and tender.

Elevating Your Rice: Simple Add-ins for Extra Flavor

To make your rice even more special, try a few simple tricks. Cooking the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds a savory flavor.

You can also add a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick to the water while the rice cooks. This gives the rice a lovely, subtle aroma.

How to Store and Serve Your Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Knowing how to properly store and serve your dish can make your leftovers just as good as the first meal. Here are some tips for you to follow.

The Storing Method

• In the Refrigerator: Place leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. This is great for quick lunches.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and rice. Store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to one month.

The Serving Method

• Reheating: The best way to reheat the chicken is in the oven. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water.
• With Sides: Serve with a simple side salad for a fresh crunch. Steamed vegetables or a side of coleslaw also pair nicely with the spicy chicken and rice.

Variations to Try

If you love this recipe, you might enjoy trying some new twists. These variations offer different ways to enjoy the bold and exciting flavors of Peri Peri sauce.

Creamy Coconut Peri Peri Chicken Curry

For a creamy twist, add half a cup of coconut milk to your Peri Peri sauce. Simmer the marinated chicken in this sauce on the stovetop.

This creates a rich and flavorful curry. Serve this delicious curry over the rice for a comforting and satisfying meal for your family.

Zesty Peri Peri Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

This is a fun way to serve the chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes before you marinate them. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.

You can add chunks of bell peppers and onions too. Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through completely.

Common Mistakes, Solution, and Prevention

Even simple recipes can have challenges. Here are some common mistakes you might face and how you can easily solve and prevent them from happening in the future.

Mistake #01: Dry and Chewy Chicken

• Solution: If your chicken is dry, slice it thinly. Toss it thoroughly with some extra Peri Peri sauce to add moisture before serving.
• Prevention: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to keep its juices locked in.

Mistake #02: A Bland, Underwhelming Flavor

Solution: If the sauce tastes bland, you can stir in more lemon juice, salt, or smoked paprika after blending it to boost the taste.
Prevention: Always taste your sauce before marinating the chicken. Roasting the vegetables until they have a little color also deepens their natural flavor profile.

Mistake #03: Mushy, Clumpy Rice

• Solution: If your rice is mushy, spread it on a baking sheet. Bake it at a low temperature for a few minutes to help it dry out.
• Prevention: Make sure to use the correct water-to-rice ratio. Soaking and lightly frying the rice before adding water helps prevent it from becoming sticky and clumpy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the Peri Peri sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can. The sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will get even better over time.

How can I make a milder version of this dish for kids?
To make it less spicy, use fewer Bird’s Eye chilies or remove their seeds. You can also add a little plain yogurt to the sauce to cool it down.

What are some delicious side dishes to serve with Peri Peri Chicken with Rice?
This dish is great on its own. You can also serve it with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or some warm flatbread to complete your delicious meal.

Let’s Make and Share!

You now have all the steps and tips for a perfect meal. This guide makes it easy to create a delicious Peri Peri Chicken with Rice at home. The bold flavors are sure to impress your family and friends.

So, why not give this recipe a try this week?

We would love for you to share your experience with this amazing dish in the comments below.

What did you enjoy most about it?