Peri Peri Chicken & Rice

Peri Peri Chicken & Rice is one of my favorite ways to enjoy bold, fiery flavors in a satisfying, all-in-one meal. The chicken is marinated in a spicy, tangy Peri Peri sauce, then grilled or baked to juicy perfection and served over fragrant rice that soaks up every bit of that flavor-packed goodness. It’s spicy, comforting, and full of personality on the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together heat, smokiness, and zest all in one dish. The homemade or store-bought Peri Peri sauce does all the heavy lifting, while the rice balances out the spice and turns this into a full, hearty meal. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—and it’s totally customizable depending on how spicy I want it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Peri Peri chicken:

• Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• Peri Peri sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

For the rice:

• Long-grain rice or basmati
• Chicken broth or water
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil or butter
• Bell pepper (optional, chopped)
• Salt

Optional toppings:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
• Lemon wedges
• Extra Peri Peri sauce for drizzling

Directions

1. I start by marinating the chicken in Peri Peri sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. I let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but overnight gives the best flavor.
2. While it marinates, I rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
3. In a saucepan, I heat olive oil or butter and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
4. I add the rice, stir to coat, and pour in the chicken broth. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
5. For the chicken, I grill it over medium-high heat or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes, depending on the cut, until fully cooked and slightly charred at the edges.
6. I serve the chicken over the rice and finish with a sprinkle of herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and an extra drizzle of Peri Peri sauce if I want more heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45–60 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap rice for couscous or quinoa for a lighter base. I’ve also added roasted veggies or black beans to the rice for extra texture. If I want a creamier contrast to the spice, I serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a garlic mayo drizzle. I’ve even made it as a bowl with shredded lettuce and avocado for a Peri Peri-inspired rice bowl.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm everything in the microwave or gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the rice. The chicken stays juicy, and the rice keeps absorbing flavor, making it just as tasty the next day.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Peri Peri sauce?

Yes, I often use a good-quality bottled sauce when I’m short on time. Homemade is great, but store-bought still delivers fantastic flavor.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this?

I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest result, but boneless thighs or breasts work too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is Peri Peri chicken?

It has a medium to high heat level, depending on the sauce. I taste and adjust the marinade by adding more lemon juice or yogurt to mellow the spice if needed.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, I marinate the chicken the night before and cook the rice fresh, or even reheat both for a quick meal prep option.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. I freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Peri Peri Chicken & Rice is one of those bold, flavorful meals that always hits the spot. It’s spicy, satisfying, and packed with personality, whether I’m cooking for a quiet night in or feeding a table full of hungry friends. Once I started making it at home, it quickly became a regular in my rotation—and I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy that Peri Peri punch.

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