Sometimes, after a long day, you just need a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that doesn’t require much effort. This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious but easy. It’s packed with zesty peri peri flavor, tender chicken, and a hearty mix of rice and veggies. Plus, it’s all made in one pan for minimal cleanup!
Method
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken to infuse it with bold peri-peri flavors. Take 400g of chicken breast and rub it thoroughly with 2 tablespoons of Nando’s peri peri marinade. This marinade not only imparts a fiery kick but also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Once seasoned, heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Sauté the Veggies
Using the same pan that you cooked the chicken in, add a little more oil if necessary, and introduce the diced red onion and diced pepper. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until they become softened and slightly caramelized. The onions and peppers will release their natural sweetness, providing a balanced contrast to the spicy peri flavor of the chicken. Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The aromatic garlic will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, making the vegetables more savory and delicious.
Add Rice and Seasonings
With the vegetables perfectly sautéed, it’s time to incorporate the rice and seasonings to build the foundation of your hearty meal. Add 180g of uncooked basmati rice to the pan, stirring it into the sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic to ensure it is well-coated with the flavorful mixture. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of paprika, 2 tablespoons of garlic granules, and 1 tablespoon of tomato purée. These spices will infuse the rice with a smoky, robust flavor that complements the peri peri chicken beautifully. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the seasonings, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their full aroma.
Cook the Rice
Pour 600ml of chicken stock into the pan, ensuring that the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. During this time, the rice will absorb the savory flavors from the chicken stock and spices, becoming fluffy and flavorful. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat.
Add Chicken and Cheese
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, slicing them into bite-sized pieces if desired. Scatter the sliced chicken evenly over the rice mixture, ensuring that each serving gets a good portion of the juicy chicken. Sprinkle 50g of reduced-fat grated cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the hot rice and chicken. The cheese will add a creamy, tangy element that balances the heat from the peri-peri seasoning, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Gently stir the mixture to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed and melts completely into the dish.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Peri Peri Chicken and Rice is now ready to be enjoyed! Transfer the hearty mixture to serving plates, ensuring each portion is generously topped with the melted cheese. For an added burst of freshness and flavor, garnish with chopped spring onions and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce if desired. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by a side of steamed broccoli to add a nutritious and vibrant component to your meal. The steamed broccoli not only provides a nice contrast in texture but also enhances the overall nutritional value of the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal for any time of the day.
Peri Peri Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet with a lid
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Rice:
- 300 g chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Nandos peri peri marinade
- 180 g dried basmati rice
- 600 ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic granules
- 1 diced pepper
- 1 diced onion
- 50 g frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 50 g reduced-fat grated cheese
- Optional Toppings:
- Spring onions chopped
- Parsley chopped
- Halloumi grilled slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Rub the chicken breasts with the peri peri marinade. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Veggies. In the same pan, add the diced onion and pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings. Stir in the uncooked rice, frozen peas, tomato purée, paprika, and garlic granules. Mix well to coat everything in the seasonings.
- Step 4: Cook the Rice. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top, cover with the lid, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. Plate the rice and chicken, and top with optional spring onions, parsley, or grilled halloumi for extra flavor.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Check the Liquid: If the rice starts to dry out before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more stock or water.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad or steamed broccoli for added greens.
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to balance the spice.
- Add a slice of garlic bread for a heartier meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that “peri peri” is Swahili for “pepper”? The iconic flavor originates from African Bird’s Eye Chili, combined with Portuguese culinary influence. It’s known for its bold, zesty, and slightly smoky taste.
Conclusion
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice is the perfect go-to meal when you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying. The bold peri-peri flavors, tender chicken, and cheesy rice make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it!