Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
The Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is truly the kind of meal you want to keep on regular rotation. Imagine juicy, flavor-packed chicken thighs nestled amid tender rice, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, all cooked together for maximum taste and minimal effort. The punchy peri peri seasoning infuses every bite while everything simmers in a cozy, savory hug. If you love a meal that wakes up your taste buds but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe brings something special to the party—bold flavor, inviting color, or the perfect texture. Nothing is complicated or hard to find, but together, they make magic in a pot!
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on for maximum juiciness and flavor, but feel free to swap for boneless if that’s your style.
- Peri peri seasoning: This is the spice blend that gives the dish its fiery character—adjust to your taste!
- Olive oil: Helps get the perfect golden sear on the chicken and brings richness to the veggies.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth, and makes your kitchen smell amazing as it cooks.
- Garlic: No explanation needed—garlic is always a good idea, and it boosts flavor big time.
- Red bell pepper: Offers beautiful color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds a second layer of color and crunch, for extra visual (and flavor) appeal.
- Long-grain rice: Rinsed so it cooks up fluffy, soaks up all those savory juices, and stays light.
- Chicken stock: This liquid gold infuses the rice with rich, comforting flavor all the way through.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor gives a wonderful tangy note and extra color.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness, enhancing the warm, earthy flavors of the dish.
- Chili flakes: Turn up the heat or tone it down—add just as much as you dare!
- Salt and pepper: Season every layer for a perfectly balanced bite from top to bottom.
- Fresh parsley: An aromatic garnish for a pop of green and a touch of brightness.
- Lemon wedges: A fresh squeeze of lemon at the end brings everything to life.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with peri peri seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial—the bold peri peri flavors need time to soak into the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with zingy goodness. Don’t be shy here; the more evenly you coat the chicken, the more delicious each piece will be.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken thighs skin side down and let them sizzle away for about 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for golden, crispy skin and a head start on cooking—plus, those pan juices are flavor gold! Once your chicken is beautifully bronzed, take it out and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot (no need to clean it—those brown bits are pure flavor), toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers. Sauté until everything is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. The veggies pick up all that leftover seasoning from the chicken, building the foundation of your Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe.
Step 4: Boost the Flavor
Next, stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for about a minute, just until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the spices release their aromas. This little step intensifies the flavor and fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering, spicy scent.
Step 5: Toast the Rice
Now, add the rinsed long-grain rice to the pot, stirring well to coat each grain in the spicy, tomatoey mix. Let it toast for 2 minutes—this deepens the flavor and helps with the final texture of the dish, ensuring your rice is plush, not stodgy.
Step 6: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the chicken stock, give everything a gentle stir, and then nestle your seared chicken thighs right on top. Bring the pot to a friendly bubble, then lower the heat, cover, and let it all gently simmer for 20-25 minutes. By the end, the rice will be tender and flavorful, and the chicken perfectly cooked through.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, lid still on—you want the moisture to redistribute and the flavors to settle. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Your one pot wonder is ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
Garnishes
The final flourish makes all the difference! A shower of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a bit of herbal brightness, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving wakes up the whole dish. For a truly standout Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe, you can also pop a few extra lemon wedges on the platter for guests to use as they like.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve with a crisp green salad or some grilled veggies. A cooling cucumber and yogurt raita or a tangy cabbage slaw can be lovely to balance the gentle heat of the peri peri spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe right in the pan for a cozy, family-style vibe. Or for a special occasion, transfer to a big, wide serving dish and arrange the chicken pieces over the rice, sprinkled with parsley and piled high with lemon slices. For picnics or meal prep, pack individual portions into bowls with extra lemon and some leafy greens for a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, it’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—ideal for meal prepping or easy lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and know that the flavors only get better as they mingle in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water and warm on the stovetop over low heat, covered, until steaming hot. You can also microwave individual servings, covering loosely with a lid or damp paper towel to keep the rice moist and prevent drying out.
FAQs
How spicy is the Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe?
It definitely has a kick, but you control the heat! Adjust the amount of peri peri seasoning and chili flakes to suit your spice preference. If you’re making it for kids or those who prefer milder food, simply reduce the spicy elements.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken works beautifully and cooks a bit faster. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken so it stays nice and juicy. You might want to check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain rice is ideal for the Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe because it stays fluffy and light, soaking up all the delicious flavors without becoming overly soft. Avoid short-grain or risotto rice, which can turn mushy in this preparation.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your peri peri seasoning and chicken stock are certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with a sensitivity.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Diced carrots, frozen peas, or chopped zucchini all fit right in and add extra color and nutrition. Just add them in with the bell peppers during the sautéing stage for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving bold flavors, cozy textures, and a little kick, there’s simply nothing like this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that makes any night special—give it a try and see why it’s always a hit at our table!
Print
Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic rice cooked in a delicious peri peri seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Portuguese-inspired dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons peri peri seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with peri peri seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute to release flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed rice and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock, stir, and nestle the chicken back into the pot.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less peri peri seasoning or chili flakes.
- Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese, African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
