PERI PERI CHICKEN AND RICE

A tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen as the chicken roasts, its spiced marinade bubbling and caramelizing to perfection. This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice is a delightful combination of succulent chicken thighs marinated in a zesty, spicy mixture and served over flavorful rice, delivering an explosion of flavor. With a cooking time of around an hour, this recipe works wonderfully because the marinating process enhances the chicken’s taste, making each bite unforgettable.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing everyone together over tantalizing flavors. It’s easy to prepare in advance, as the chicken can marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken thighs become tender and juicy, boasting a perfect crispy skin.
• The vibrant rice, infused with vegetables and spices, creates a colorful and flavorful base.
• It’s an easy one-pan dish that simplifies clean-up and cooking time.
• The marinade’s heat can be adjusted to suit your preference, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish.

For the Marinade

• 1 kg chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 4 bird’s eye chillies
• 2 mild red chillies, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon zest
• 1 whole lime or lemon, peeled
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/3 cup oil

For the Rice

• 2 1/2 cups rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning

Note: Adjust chili quantities for spice preference.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be swapped for chicken breasts.
• White vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
• Use any rice variety for different textures.
• Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a fresher taste.

How to Make It

Get ready to create a mouthwatering meal with these simple steps.

1. Blend Ingredients

In a blender, combine the chopped onion, bird’s eye chillies, mild red chillies, lime or lemon zest, peeled lime or lemon, garlic cloves, salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, thyme, tomato paste, brown sugar, white vinegar, and oil.

2. Create Marinade

Blend the ingredients until a smooth paste forms.

3. Marinate Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, using your hands or a spatula to ensure even coating.

4. Refrigerate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, preferably overnight for better flavor.

5. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C.

6. Prepare Baking Tray

Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, ensuring they are skin-side down. Reserve a portion of the marinade for later use.

7. Bake Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have crispy skin.

8. Rinse and Soak Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain it.

9. Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

10. Combine Rice

Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in a portion of the reserved marinade and stir again.

11. Cook Rice

Add water and chicken seasoning to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook until all the water evaporates and the rice is tender—around 15-20 minutes.

12. Fluff Rice

After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter.

13. Serve Chicken

Place the baked chicken thighs on top of the rice and drizzle with the reserved marinade for added flavor.

14. Finish with Lemon

For an extra kick, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Flip chicken halfway for even crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 75°C.
• Experiment with additional vegetables in the rice for more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a hearty feast.
• Complement with roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrients.