Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
This Mediterranean twist on classic Peri Peri chicken features juicy, spiced chicken marinated in a homemade Peri Peri sauce with Mediterranean herbs. It’s paired with fluffy, herb-infused rice for a balanced, zesty, and satisfying meal.
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–4 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes (plus marination)
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Peri Peri marinade:
1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled (or 2 tbsp jarred roasted pepper)
2 garlic cloves
1 fresh red chili (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the herbed rice:
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
2 cups water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint, or basil)
Optional: 2 tbsp sautéed onion or garlic
Instructions:
1. Make the Peri Peri marinade
Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Marinate the chicken
Place chicken in a bowl or zip bag, coat with marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3–4 hours.
3. Cook the chicken
Choose your preferred method:
A. Grill:
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until slightly charred and cooked through.
B. Skillet:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
C. Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake chicken in a dish for 20–22 minutes or until juices run clear.
3. Cook the rice
Rinse rice and combine with water/broth, olive oil, and salt in a pot.
Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.
Let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. Flavor the rice
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Add optional sautéed onion/garlic for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions:
Plate sliced Peri Peri chicken over the herbed rice.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve with a simple cucumber-yogurt salad, tzatziki, or grilled veggies.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It’s medium spice by default. Adjust chili to your heat tolerance. For mild, use roasted red pepper only.
Q: Can I use store-bought Peri Peri sauce?
A: Yes! You can substitute 2–3 tbsp of a good-quality Peri Peri sauce for the homemade version.
Q: Is it good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Both components store well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep rice and chicken separate until serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 440
Protein: 32g
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 470mg
