Description
Portuguese-inspired peri peri chicken delivers a spicy, tangy explosion of flavor that dances across palates. Marinated chicken nestled with fragrant rice creates a delightful meal guaranteeing satisfaction for spice enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb (500g) skinless, boneless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
Base Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 cups frozen corn
- ½ cup peri-peri sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Lemon juice to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat oil in a medium pot over moderate flame. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Introduce crushed garlic and turmeric to the vegetable mixture, stirring quickly to release aromatic compounds without burning.
- Pour Jasmine rice into the pot, followed by chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer and cook until rice absorbs the liquid, approximately 10 minutes.
- Fold frozen corn into the rice, reduce heat to minimal setting, and cover. Allow rice to steam for an additional 10 minutes before removing from heat.
- Prepare the creamy peri-peri sauce by combining peri-peri sauce, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer and reduce until sauce thickens slightly.
- Heat a grill pan to high temperature. Char marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring thorough cooking.
- Arrange fragrant rice on serving plates, position grilled chicken on top, and lavishly drizzle with the vibrant peri-peri cream sauce.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use high heat when grilling to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
- Choose Jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture that complements the spicy peri-peri sauce perfectly.
- Adjust the peri-peri sauce’s heat level by selecting a mild or hot sauce based on your personal spice tolerance.
- Create a balanced meal by incorporating colorful bell peppers and sweet corn into the rice for added nutrition and texture.
- Prepare the sauce just before serving to ensure it remains warm and maintains its creamy, velvety consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg