Make your Peri Peri Chicken meal complete with this easy Peri Peri Rice recipe. Flavored with fiery spices and a hint of tang, this Nando’s-style spicy rice is perfect as a side or a one-pot dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, flavorful addition to any meal.
Try it out with Portugese Style Peri Peri chicken.
You can make your own sauce using my Peri Peri Sauce recipe or you get store bought peri peri sauce.
How to Make Peri Peri Rice
This recipe uses simple ingredients like long-grain rice, garlic, chili, and Peri Peri seasoning to create a fragrant, spicy rice. The rice is cooked until fluffy and infused with spicy, smoky Peri Peri flavors. You can pair it with grilled chicken, vegetables, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Quick Tips:
- Use Basmati or long-grain rice for separate, non-sticky grains.
- Sauté spices lightly before adding rice for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Peri Peri spice level according to your heat preference.
Variations
- Vegetable Peri Peri Rice: Add bell peppers, carrots, or peas to make it a wholesome vegetarian option.
- Garlic Peri Peri Rice: Increase garlic for an extra punch.
- One-Pot Peri Peri Rice: Cook rice directly in the spicy sauce for a richer, more intense flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled rice for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions for Peri Peri Rice
Peri Peri Rice is the perfect companion to your spicy Peri Peri Chicken. The fluffy, flavorful rice balances the heat of the chicken and makes for a complete meal. Check out the Portugese style Peri Peri Chicken recipe here for a full one-pot dinner experience.
Other Complementary Sides:
- Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries add a satisfying crunch.
- Pita or Flatbread: Soft pita, naan, or tandoori bread is perfect for scooping up the rice and chicken.
- Hummus or Yogurt Dip: Creamy hummus or a cooling yogurt dip helps balance the spicy flavors.
- Salad: A fresh cucumber and tomato salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing touch.
Tip: For a restaurant-style platter, serve the Peri Peri Rice in a bowl with sliced chicken on top, drizzle with extra Peri Peri sauce, and place fries and dips on the side. It’s visually appealing and perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
Peri Peri Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice See Notes
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Peri Peri Sauce See Notes
- 1 tsp Paprika Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- ½ cup Red Capsicum
- ½ cup Green Capsicum
- 2 cups Chicken Stock See Notes
Instructions
- Wash and soak rice as per instructions.
- Heat oil in a pot and add tomato paste and cook slightly on low medium flame.
- Add Paprika, cumin and Salt.
- Add chicken stock and bring it to boil.
- Add rice and vegetables and cook until ¼ of the water is remaining.
- Turn the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Cook for 10 mins or until the rice are fully cooked.
Notes
- Different type of rice need different soaking time. Soak rice according to guide given on packaging.
- You can prepare fresh peri peri sauce by using my recipe or you can use store bought sauce.
- For Vegetarians – Chicken stock can be replaced with vegetable stock
