Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One-Pot
A flavorful and easy Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One-Pot meal combining tender, spicy chicken thighs marinated in a tangy Peri Peri sauce with fragrant long grain rice cooked together in one pot, perfect for quick weeknight dinners that are hearty, balanced, and customizable.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Portuguese / African-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Peri Peri sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges (optional)
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken thighs with Peri Peri sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, forming a rich aromatic base for the dish.
- Brown the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the leftover marinade. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot and brown until golden, about 5 minutes on each side. This locks in juices and adds color and flavor.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rinsed rice, coating the grains with the oil, onion, and spices. Pour in chicken broth along with any remaining marinade. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid or foil tent to trap moisture, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or coriander over the top. Serve hot directly from the pot, optionally with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy texture.
- Use a foil tent over the pot to maintain even heat and moisture during cooking.
- Adjust liquid quantities according to rice type; add more broth if needed during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Spicy Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Recipe, Gluten-Free, Bone-in Chicken Thighs