Periperi Chicken Bowls a Spicy Symphony
Peri Peri Chicken Bowls: A Spicy Symphony of Flavors
Fancy a bit of spice in your life? Honestly, who doesn't? These Peri Peri chicken bowls are my new go-to, bringing a Nandos style kick right to your kitchen. They are a flavour explosion.
What's the Deal with These Bowls?
These chicken bowls are a nod to Portuguese flavors, thanks to that amazing Peri Peri sauce, and that cheeky Nandos. The Peri Peri Bowl Recipe uses chicken marinated in a fiery sauce, then grilled and piled high with rice, veggies, and a cool yogurt dressing.
It's a spicy chicken bowl party.
They are surprisingly easy! Prep takes only 20 minutes and marinating takes 30 minutes, cooking is about 20. So, from start to finish, give yourself around 1 hour 10 minutes.
This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Why You Need These Chicken Bowls in Your Life
Let's talk benefits. It gives a great protein hit which is amazing for building muscle. These bowls are also packed with vitamins from the veggies.
Perfect for a casual get-together or quick dinner. This chicken and rice bowl recipe is special. These chicken bowls are customisable to everyone.
These are also easy cheap healthy meals , great for summer as cheap summer meals and for anyone who is looking for healthy foods .
Okay, enough chat. Let's get to the stuff you need, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, mates! Ready to whip up these amazing peri peri chicken bowls ? This ain't your average meal, it's more like a Nandos chicken bowl experience, right in your own kitchen.
Think spicy, flavourful, and totally customisable! Let's dive into what you'll need.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here's the lowdown on what you need to make these delicious chicken bowls :
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless. I prefer thighs, they're juicier! Quality matters, so grab some good looking chicken with a healthy color, not too pale or greyish.
- Peri Peri Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Nando's is the classic choice, but any brand you like will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic! It adds so much flavour.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Freshly squeezed is always best, if you can be arsed.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds a lovely smoky note.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
For the chicken power bowl assembly you will also need
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups (400g) . White, brown, quinoa whatever floats your boat. I prefer white rice sometimes!
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , thinly sliced.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: 1 , thinly sliced.
- Red Onion: 1 , thinly sliced.
- Avocado: 1 , sliced. Creamy avocado is a game changer, trust me!
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped.
And for the Yogurt Sauce
- Plain Greek Yogurt: 1 cup (240g) . This is key for the cooling sauce.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon .
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right!
The peri peri bowl recipe gets its kick from the sauce, obviously. But the garlic, lemon, and paprika really amp up the flavour.
If you're feeling brave, add a pinch of cayenne pepper! You can easily adapt this for spicy chicken bowl fans.
If peri peri is not your thing, remember that you could try a lemon herb grilled chicken bowl
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Silly!
You don't need fancy gadgets to make these chicken bowls . Here's the bare minimum:
- Large mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Grill pan or large skillet: For cooking the chicken. If you don't have a grill pan, a regular frying pan works just fine.
- Small mixing bowl: For the yogurt sauce.
Honestly, that's it! Making easy cheap healthy meals doesn't require loads of kit! It is one of the cheap summer meals to enjoy, and you can fill it with plenty of healthy foods ! Now let’s get to the fun part cooking this chicken and rice bowl recipe !
Peri Peri Chicken Bowls : A Spicy Symphony of Flavors
Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken bowl ? Especially when it's packed with flavour and easy cheap healthy meals are on the menu.
We are channeling Nandos Chicken Bowl vibes today! This one's inspired by Nandos, but it is cheaper and tastier. We’re bringing the heat with these Spicy Chicken Bowl !
These Chicken Poke Bowl are a flavour explosion waiting to happen. Marinated in a fiery Peri Peri sauce, this is one the best grilled chicken bowl I’ve ever made! It really is an explosion of taste.
Think Portugal meets South Africa in your bowl. This is what I call an Easy Cheap Healthy Meals !
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organised. Chop your veggies: slice those bell peppers and red onion nice and thin. Get that rice cooking I like fluffy white rice for this, but brown rice or quinoa works too! A total Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe !.
It’s all about getting your mise en place sorted. Trust me, it makes life so much easier. This also ensures we can enjoy cheap summer meals easily.
step-by-step to Chicken Bowl Bliss
- Marinate that chicken! In a bowl, mix the 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken thighs with 1/4 cup (60ml) Peri Peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Cook your rice, about 2 cups (400g) of cooked rice should do the trick
- Cook the chicken! Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chicken for 6- 8 minutes per side. Make sure its internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants dodgy chicken, alright?
- Whip up the yogurt sauce! Mix 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble your bowls! Divide the rice among four bowls. Top with grilled chicken, sliced bell peppers, red onion, and avocado. Drizzle with that lush yogurt sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro. BAM!
Pro Tips and Tricks
Don't overcook the chicken. Nobody wants dry, rubbery chicken. The Yogurt sauce adds that umami flavor. Marinate longer up to 4 hours for a more intense flavour.
Remember, char is your friend! A little bit of char adds smoky goodness. Also, for those who need that added bit of healthy foods, feel free to load up the chicken power bowl with any veggies you desire.
So there you have it. It's one of the best Healthy Foods on the go, and this Peri Peri chicken bowl recipe is a total winner.
Give it a go and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Chicken Bowl Game
Right, so you've got the recipe for these banging Peri Peri Chicken Bowls . Now, let's talk about how to make them extra special.
These are more than just easy cheap healthy meals ; they are about flavour and fun. Honestly, this spicy chicken bowl is one of my go-to cheap summer meals .
Serving Suggestions: Make it Instagrammable
Presentation matters, you know? Think about layering your chicken and rice bowl recipe beautifully. Place the rice down first. Arrange the chicken nicely on top.
Add the veggies in sections. Drizzle that creamy yogurt sauce like you mean it. Chopped cilantro on top, chef's kiss .
For sides, a grilled corn on the cob is brilliant. Alternatively, try creamy coleslaw. A proper Nandos chicken bowl deserves a tasty beverage, like some iced tea or homemade lemonade, perfect for cooling you down.
Storage Tips: Save it for Later
Got leftovers? No worries. This chicken power bowl keeps well. Pop the chicken in the fridge separately from the rice and veggies. They will last up to 3 days refrigerated.
Freezing? Not so much with the veggies, they get a bit sad. But the chicken freezes well. Just let it cool completely first.
It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat gently in a pan. Make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) before serving!
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want a healthy foods adaptation? No probs. You can easily swap rice for quinoa for extra protein. You can also create a fresh and tasty Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl instead of the Peri Peri Chicken.
For a veggie boost, add roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas. If you are avoiding gluten, use quinoa instead of rice. Boom! Dietary needs? Sorted.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, so roughly each serving of this grilled chicken bowl clocks in around 550 calories. You're getting about 40g of protein, which is fab for keeping you full.
There's 25g of fat and 45g of carbs. Don't worry though, these are estimates . The biggest thing is that these ingredients are packed with nutrients.
And that's it! Give these Peri Peri Chicken Bowls a go. Have fun with the recipe, make it yours, and enjoy! I swear you'll think you were in Nandos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken bowls ahead of time? I'm proper busy during the week!
Absolutely! You can prep many components of these chicken bowls in advance. The chicken can be marinated a day ahead, and the rice can be cooked and stored. For the freshest flavour, assemble the bowls just before serving, but having the ingredients ready to go makes weeknight dinners a doddle.
Store all components separately to prevent the rice from getting soggy!
My family isn't keen on spice. How can I make milder chicken bowls?
No worries, mate! You can easily adjust the heat level by using a milder Peri Peri sauce or diluting it with a bit of olive oil. Alternatively, you can create a totally different flavour profile. Try a simple lemon herb marinade with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like thyme and oregano.
You could even use honey and mustard.
What other toppings can I add to my chicken bowls to make them extra special?
The beauty of chicken bowls is their versatility! Think about adding grilled pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast, black beans for added protein and fibre, or crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick. You could also incorporate some crunchy elements like toasted nuts or crispy tortilla strips for extra texture.
A dollop of guacamole or a sprinkle of sesame seeds never goes amiss either!
How long will leftover chicken bowls last in the fridge? And can I freeze them?
Leftover chicken bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best quality, store the yogurt sauce separately. Freezing is not recommended for the assembled bowls, as the rice and veggies can become mushy upon thawing.
However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. Just thaw it completely before reheating and adding to your fresh bowl ingredients.
I'm trying to eat healthier. What are some ways to lighten up these chicken bowls?
You can easily make these chicken bowls a healthier option! Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for fewer carbs and more fibre. Load up on extra veggies like shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, or leafy greens.
Use a low-fat Greek yogurt for the sauce and be mindful of the amount of avocado you use, as it's high in healthy fats but also calories. Grilling or baking the chicken, rather than pan-frying, will reduce the amount of oil used.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for these Peri Peri chicken bowls?
You certainly can use chicken breast, but chicken thighs are generally more flavourful and tender due to their higher fat content. If you opt for chicken breast, be extra careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
Consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking. You may also want to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is vital to keep it moist and inject it with flavour.
Periperi Chicken Bowls A Spicy Symphony
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
