Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Africa with these mouthwatering Piri Piri Chicken Bowls! Imagine tender, spicy chicken infused with bold, fiery flavors, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and surrounded by roasted peppers and steamed broccoli. This isn't just another chicken recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons piri piri sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the piri piri sauce and olive oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes while the oven heats up.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and set aside.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the sliced red bell pepper around the chicken on the baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken and peppers in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is baking, steam the broccoli until tender, about 5-7 minutes. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- To assemble the bowls, start by placing 1 cup of cooked rice in each serving bowl.
- Top the rice with sliced piri piri chicken, steamed broccoli, and the roasted red bell pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the Piri Piri Chicken Bowls warm and enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Let your chicken sit in the piri piri sauce for at least 10 minutes to maximize flavor penetration. For even more intense taste, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Pepper Perfection: Roasting the bell peppers alongside the chicken allows them to caramelize and develop a rich, sweet flavor that complements the spicy chicken.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or add additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
- Sauce Hack: If you want extra sauce, reserve some piri piri marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a drizzle or dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 163kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
