Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
Introduction
Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It combines juicy chicken with a spicy peri peri sauce, paired with comforting herbed rice. This meal is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any home cook.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty meal that bursts with flavor. The peri peri sauce adds a delightful kick, while the herbed rice provides a soothing balance. It’s great for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or simply when you want to enjoy a little taste of adventure in your cooking. Plus, it only takes a short time to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How to Make Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
- 2 tbsp jarred roasted pepper
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp peri peri sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil) for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, peri peri sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the chopped fresh herbs.
- Slice the roasted bell pepper.
- Serve the chicken on a bed of herbed rice, garnished with sliced bell pepper and additional herbs.
How to Serve Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
Serve this dish warm on a plate, with the herbed rice as the base and the chicken placed on top. Add the sliced roasted bell pepper and garnish with fresh herbs for a colorful presentation. This dish goes great with a side salad or some crusty bread.
How to Store Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
To store leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm them on the stove until heated through.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs that you enjoy; they add a lovely touch to the rice.
- If you like more heat, you can add extra peri peri sauce when serving.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can toss them in olive oil and peri peri sauce as well, then serve them over the herbed rice!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
2. What can I use instead of peri peri sauce?
If you don’t have peri peri sauce, you can use any hot sauce or a mix of chili powder and vinegar for similar heat and flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you are ready to serve.

Mediterranean Peri Peri Chicken with Herbed Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful dish combining juicy chicken with spicy peri peri sauce and comforting herbed rice.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
- 2 tbsp jarred roasted pepper
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp peri peri sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, peri peri sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the chopped fresh herbs.
- Slice the roasted bell pepper.
- Serve the chicken on a bed of herbed rice, garnished with sliced bell pepper and additional herbs.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use fresh herbs that you enjoy for a lovely touch in the rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Herbed Rice, Mediterranean Cuisine, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Chicken Dish
