If you love the bold, fiery flavours of Nando’s but want a homemade, budget-friendly version, then this Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice recipe is perfect for you! This is a weekly recipe from James Savage (Sav). Packed with protein and bursting with flavour, it’s a go-to meal that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of Nando’s, but sometimes I want that same amazing peri peri experience without heading out or spending extra money. This dish hits all the right notes – spicy, smoky, and deeply flavourful. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be customised based on spice tolerance and preferred sides. Whether it’s a midweek dinner or a weekend treat, it never fails to impress!
Nutrition at a Glance
- Calories: 509 per serving (serves 4)
- Protein: 48.4g
- Fibre: 5g
A Perfect Meal for Health and Weight Loss
One of the best things about this meal is how well it fits into a healthy lifestyle. With a high-protein content and balanced macros, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight while still enjoying delicious food.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
- High in Protein: With nearly 50g of protein per serving, this dish keeps you full for longer and supports muscle growth and recovery.
- Low in Unhealthy Fats: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making it a lighter yet satisfying option.
- Rich in Fibre: The spicy rice component adds fibre, which aids digestion and keeps cravings at bay.
- Spicy Foods Boost Metabolism: Studies suggest that capsaicin, the compound responsible for chilli’s heat, may help increase metabolism and fat burning.
- Easy to Customise: Whether you want to add more veggies or swap out ingredients for a lower-carb version, this dish is highly adaptable.
Final Thoughts
This Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice courtesy James Savage is a must-try for anyone who loves big flavours and high-protein meals. It’s easy to prepare, tastes fantastic, and brings the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. Plus, with its weight-loss-friendly qualities, you can enjoy a delicious meal while staying on track with your health goals. Give it a go and spice up your mealtime!
Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice
Equipment
- 1 Airfryer
- 1 Gas Burners
Ingredients
- Low Calorie Oil Spray
- 1 Onion Diced
- 2 Red or Yellow Bell Pepper Diced
- 0.5 tspn Chilli Flakes
- 1 tspn Turmeric
- 1 tspn Smoked Paprika
- 300 g Long Grain Rice
- 300 ml Chicken Stock Make up from 3 chicken stock cubes or stock pot
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- 100 g Frozen Pease
- 1 Medium Chicken Breast
- Peri Peri Marinade Dry rub or Nando's Sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate chicken breast in your choice of peri peri marinate, I prefer the dry rub as it soaks into the chicken better but Nando’s sauce is fine to use. (I’ll usually marinate a few breasts at once in some Tupperware and use as needed through the week)
- Dice onions and peppers
- Make up 600ml of chicken stock (how ever much rice you plan to use you need twice the volume of chicken stock, 1 cup of rice= make 2 cups of stock)
- Preheat the airfyer to 180 degrees C and set timer for 20 minutes
Cooking Instructions
- Spray oil in pan and place diced onion and pepper in a reasonably large saucepan. Fry up at a medium to high heat until the onions start to brown (about 3-5 mins)
- Add the chilli flakes, turmeric and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 more minutes. Add a splash of water if it starts to get a little dry.
- Add the marinated chicken to the air fryer, cook on one side for 10 minutes, flip over and cook on the other side for another 5-10 minutes (depending how crispy you like it)
- While the chicken is cooking Add the rice, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Turn the heat up and bring to the boil. Then cover with a lid and turn the heat down. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked.
- After 7 minutes add the peas and stir. Re-cover with the lid and cook for 3 more minutes or until the rice is done to your liking and the peas are hot.
- Serve the rice and chicken together and any other sides you want. (For the ingredients stated I’d usually get 4 portions out of the rice so adjust to suit)
