If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but also blissfully easy to make, Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot will instantly become your new go-to. This vibrant, all-in-one meal is loaded with juicy chicken, sweet red peppers, a hit of Peri Peri spice, and fluffy rice—all simmered together for total comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything in One Pot: Less mess, more flavor—your main, veggie, and starch all snuggle up together for the easiest cleanup.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Smoky, spicy Peri Peri seasoning brings irresistible excitement to every spoonful without loads of complicated steps.
- 30-Minute Wonder: From prep to table in half an hour, it’s an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Family-Friendly & Flexible: You can easily dial the heat up or down, swap veggies, or use your favorite protein—making everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot is all about simple, honest ingredients that work hard to build layers of flavor. Each element brings its own unique magic, from the tender chicken to the vibrant veggies and punchy seasoning.
- Sunflower oil: The high smoke point makes it perfect for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics without burning.
- Chicken breast: Skinless and boneless, these cook up juicy and tender, soaking up all the flavorful juices in the pot.
- Peri peri seasoning: This signature blend gives the dish its signature warmth and little kick—add more if you’re feeling bold!
- Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic is essential for depth and a mouthwatering aroma.
- Red onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and beautiful colour as it softens into the rice.
- Red peppers (bell peppers): They stay slightly crisp for color and extra sweetness amidst the spice.
- Hot chicken stock: The stock binds everything together, infusing the rice and chicken with savory goodness—cubes are totally fine here.
- Tomato purée: Gives the pot a rich, slightly tangy base and turns the sauce glossy and vibrant red.
- Long grain rice: Rinsing ensures the grains stay beautifully separate and fluffy, not gummy.
- Frozen peas: They’re sweet, pop with color, and only need a few minutes to cook—no need to thaw first.
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: The seasoning heroes that finish the dish just right; taste as you go!
Variations
One of the best things about the Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot is how playful and customizable it can be! Don’t be afraid to give this recipe your own creative twist, depending on what’s in your kitchen or who’s coming to dinner.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for cubes of fried halloumi or even tofu—just as hearty and satisfying!
- Mild or Extra Spicy: Use less Peri Peri if serving kids, or double up for some real heat-lovers at the table.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in extra veg like courgette, sweetcorn, spinach, or whatever’s hiding at the back of your fridge.
- Whole Grain Upgrade: Use brown rice—just increase cooking time and stock a bit to keep it tender.
- Different Proteins: Try it with boneless, skinless thighs, leftover roast chicken, or even shrimp for a totally different vibe.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat sunflower oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re just starting to brown on all sides—this gives your dish a delicious, savory base.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spice
Sprinkle in the Peri Peri seasoning, garlic, and chopped red onion. Sauté everything together for 3–5 minutes more until the onion softens and your kitchen smells nothing short of amazing. This is where the flavor magic starts to happen!
Step 3: Stir in Peppers, Rice, and Stock
Add the red peppers, pour in your hot chicken stock, tomato purée, and rinsed long grain rice. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly combined and the rice is submerged.
Step 4: Simmer and Steam
Put a lid on the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes. Don’t peek too often—trapping steam keeps everything perfectly moist and lets the rice cook through evenly.
Step 5: Add Peas and Final Steam
Once the rice is nearly cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in the frozen peas. Replace the lid and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the peas are hot and everything’s beautifully melded together.
Pro Tips for Making Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot
- Rice Rinsing Ritual: Give your long grain rice a thorough rinse under cold water—this helps prevent stickiness and ensures every grain stays fluffy in your one pot dish.
- Stock Watch: Cooking times can vary, so keep some extra hot chicken stock handy in case your rice needs a bit more moisture before it’s done.
- Spice It Your Way: The Peri Peri seasoning adjusts to taste—start mild if you’re nervous, and taste at the halfway mark (just remember, you can always add but not subtract!).
- Perfect Peas: Stir in the frozen peas right at the end—any earlier and they’ll lose their color and sweetness.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter: freshly sliced spring onions (or scallions) sprinkled on top bring a pop of crunch and color, and a generous squeeze of lemon over the pot right before serving really lifts the spicy flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a crisp green salad, some warm garlic bread, or a side of cooling cucumber yogurt for a little creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, spoon your Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot into colorful bowls and scatter over fresh herbs like parsley or coriander. If you’re feeding a crowd, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone help themselves—it looks stunning and encourages second helpings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Once cooled, transfer the Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Let everything cool completely, then pack into individual containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for a super convenient meal.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop portions in the microwave or warm gently on the hob, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen if needed. Cover loosely to avoid drying out, and heat until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are even juicier and add amazing richness. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and use them exactly as you would the breast—cooking time stays roughly the same.
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What should I do if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
No worries—simply add a little more hot chicken stock (about 1/4 cup at a time), cover, and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Is this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot spicy?
It can be as mild or fiery as you like! The recipe as written has a gentle kick, but for extra heat, just increase the Peri Peri seasoning to your taste (or add some chili flakes for good measure).
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Can I make Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it in advance, let it cool, and pop it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to reheat. It holds up beautifully and the flavors keep developing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot enough—quick, comforting, and completely crave-worthy! Pour yourself a glass, gather your favorite people, and dig in to this one-pot wonder you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintPeri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peri Peri Chicken and Rice One Pot recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare. Tender chicken cooked with aromatic peri peri seasoning, vegetables, and rice in a delicious one-pot dish.
Ingredients
For the Peri Peri Chicken:
- 2 tsp Sunflower oil
- 600 g Skinless, boneless Chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp Peri peri seasoning
- 2 Garlic cloves
For the Rice:
- 1 Red onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 Red peppers, deseeded and chopped
- 800 ml Hot chicken stock
- 3 tbsp Tomato purée
- 200 g Long grain rice, rinsed well
- 200 g Peas, frozen
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Peri Peri Chicken: Heat oil in a large saute pan, add chicken pieces, and brown for 5 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Stir in peri peri seasoning, garlic, and onion; cook until onion softens.
- Incorporate Rice and Vegetables: Add peppers, stock, tomato purée, rice, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Final Touches: Add peas when rice is nearly cooked; continue cooking for 5 more minutes until everything is done.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more peri peri seasoning for extra heat.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with fried halloumi cubes.
- Use bell peppers for this recipe.
- Customize with your choice of vegetables.
- Garnish with spring onions (scallions) if desired.
- Have extra stock on hand to prevent rice from drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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