Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are certain recipes I make over and over again because they’re just that good—comforting, bold, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. One of those dishes is my Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe. Every time I cook it, the aroma fills the house with this irresistible warmth—spicy, smoky, garlicky, and absolutely mouthwatering.
I still remember the first time I made a version of this dish. I wanted something comforting but exciting, something that didn’t require a mountain of pots and pans, and something that had real character. I’d recently gotten obsessed with Peri Peri sauce—its fiery heat, citrusy brightness, and that smoky depth that makes your taste buds dance. And since I’m a firm believer that rice can soak up flavor like nothing else, combining the two in one pot felt like a stroke of genius.
Fast-forward to today, and this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is one of my most requested meals among friends and family. The chicken gets beautifully seasoned, the rice absorbs every drop of flavor, and the whole thing cooks together in a single pot—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Whether you’re new to Peri Peri or a longtime fan of its Portuguese and African-inspired flavors, this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is going to be a staple in your kitchen.
Let’s dive in!
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Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients but packs huge flavor.
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) or 4 boneless thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Peri Peri Sauce
You can use store-bought sauce, but homemade is easy and much more flavorful.
Homemade Peri Peri Sauce:
- 4–6 red chilies (bird’s eye chilies for authentic heat or red jalapeños for milder spice)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 roasted red pepper for sweetness
Blend until smooth.
For the Rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice (basmati preferred)
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup Peri Peri sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional for color)
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How to Prepare Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe uses straightforward steps, and everything cooks together beautifully.
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry.
- Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
Remove and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add 2 tbsp olive oil or butter to the pot.
- Add onions and sauté until soft.
- Add diced bell peppers; cook 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
These form the base of your flavor-packed rice.
3. Toast the Rice
- Add dry rice to the pot.
- Stir to coat in oil, lightly toasting it for 1–2 minutes.
Toasting enhances the flavor and helps the rice stay fluffy.
4. Add Peri Peri Sauce and Spices
Stir in:
- ¼ cup Peri Peri sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Turmeric
Mix well so every grain of rice is seasoned.
5. Add Broth
Pour in chicken broth and stir.
Taste the broth—it should be slightly salty and spicy since the rice will absorb flavor.
6. Add Chicken Back to the Pot
Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice.
Cover tightly with a lid.
7. Cook Everything Together
Simmer on low heat for 22–25 minutes or until:
- Rice is fluffy
- Chicken is fully cooked
- Liquid is absorbed
Resist the urge to lift the lid!
8. Finish and Serve
Let the pot rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff rice gently with a fork.
Stir in peas (optional) and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro.
Dinner is served!
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great additions:
1. With Fresh Salad
Pair with:
- Cucumber salad
- Tomato-onion salad
- Simple green salad with lemon dressing
The freshness balances the spice beautifully.
2. With Extra Peri Peri Sauce
Serve a side bowl of sauce for heat lovers.
3. With Grilled Vegetables
Try:
- Zucchini
- Corn
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
4. With Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
5. With Yogurt or Sour Cream
This helps cool the heat and adds creaminess.
6. As Meal Prep
Pack chicken and rice together—they reheat wonderfully.
Tips for the Best Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
These tried-and-true tips elevate the dish from good to incredible.
1. Use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness
Thighs stay juicy and flavorful.
2. Adjust spice level to your taste
More chilies = more heat
Roasted red peppers = milder flavor
3. Don’t rinse rice after toasting it
Rinse before toasting, not after.
4. Sear chicken well
It adds flavor and color.
5. Use smoked paprika
This gives the signature smoky Peri Peri flavor.
6. Keep the pot tightly covered
Steam is crucial for cooking the rice properly.
7. Let it rest after cooking
This prevents mushy rice.
8. Use basmati or long-grain rice
Short-grain rice becomes too soft.
9. Taste the broth before cooking
If the broth is bland, your rice will be too.
10. Add veggies for extra nutrition
Peas, corn, spinach, carrots—all work well.
Variations of Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
Make this dish your own with these delicious variations.
1. Peri Peri Chicken and Coconut Rice
Replace 1 cup of broth with coconut milk.
Result: creamy, tropical, perfectly balanced.
2. Extra Spicy Peri Peri
Add:
- Extra chilies
- Chili flakes
- Hot paprika
Perfect for heat lovers.
3. Mild Peri Peri Chicken and Rice
Use roasted red peppers and sweet paprika for a gentler version.
4. Peri Peri Chicken and Veggie Rice
Add:
- Zucchini
- Corn
- Carrots
- Spinach
This creates a balanced, colorful dish.
5. Peri Peri Chicken and Brown Rice
Replace white rice with brown rice.
Increase cooking time by 15 minutes.
6. Peri Peri Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs
Cut into chunks for faster cooking.
7. Peri Peri Shrimp and Rice
Swap chicken for shrimp and add during the last 8 minutes of cooking.
8. Oven-Baked Peri Peri Chicken and Rice
Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, tightly covered.
9. Peri Peri Rice Bowl
Dish up rice with veggies, avocado, and crispy chicken bites.
10. Creamy Peri Peri Chicken and Rice
Stir in ½ cup cream or coconut cream at the end.
FAQs
Here are some common questions to help you perfect the recipe.
1. Is Peri Peri very spicy?
It can be! But you can control the heat by choosing milder chilies or reducing the amount of sauce.
2. Can I use store-bought Peri Peri sauce?
Yes! Brands like Nando’s work great.
3. Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Breasts can dry out if overcooked.
4. My rice came out mushy. What happened?
This usually means too much liquid or cooking at too high a heat.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! It freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—this recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cream.
7. What rice is best?
Basmati or any long-grain white rice.
8. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes—reduce cooking time by a few minutes.
9. How do I reheat leftover Peri Peri chicken and rice?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
10. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or extra veggies.
Why This Recipe Works
Here’s the flavor breakdown:
Smoky
From smoked paprika and charred peppers.
Spicy
Chilies give bold heat that’s customizable.
Tangy
Lemon and vinegar brighten the dish.
Savory
Garlic and onions build a deep flavor foundation.
Hearty
Rice absorbs everything, making it rich and satisfying.
Every bite delivers the perfect balance of heat, comfort, and flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This is an excellent recipe for leftovers or meal prep.
Refrigeration
Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing
Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Add a splash of broth or water and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Meal Prep Uses
- Quick lunches
- Work meals
- Family dinners
- Freezer-friendly meal planning
Final Thoughts
Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is the perfect blend of bold flavor and comforting simplicity. It’s everything you want in a meal—spicy, smoky, hearty, and deeply satisfying. And the fact that it all cooks in one pot makes it an absolute weeknight hero.
Whether you love fiery food or prefer a mild but flavorful dish, this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe adapts beautifully to your taste. It’s great for casual dinners, meal prep, feeding guests, or simply warming yourself on a busy day.
I hope this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe becomes a new favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Grab your pot, your spices, and a generous spoonful of Peri Peri sauce—and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s bursting with flavor!