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High Protein Peri Peri Chicken and Spicy Rice
by Jalalsamfit
recipe easy African

High Protein Peri Peri Chicken and Spicy Rice

A vibrant, spicy chicken and rice dish inspired by Nando's peri peri flavors. Chicken thighs are marinated in smoked paprika, garlic, and Nando's marinade, then cooked golden brown and served over a one-pot spicy rice. Only 452 calories with high protein content.

5m Prep
25m Cook
30m Total
2 Servings
high-protein peri-peri spicy chicken rice low-calorie fat-loss meal-prep

Ingredients

Ingredients
  • fresh coriander (chopped) optional
  • peri peri sauce optional
chicken
  • 300 g chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Nando's peri peri marinade
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice
  • 1 tsp light butter
rice
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 medium bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 150 g basmati rice (uncooked, washed)
  • 300 ml water

Steps

  1. 1
    Season chicken thighs with oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Nando's marinade, and lemon juice. Make sure the color changes — if it doesn't, it's not well seasoned.
    Tip: More seasoning means more flavor.
  2. 2
    Add light butter to a pan and cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
    ~10 min
  3. 3
    In the same pan, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for a minute.
    ~1 min
  4. 4
    Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well, then add tomato paste and washed uncooked basmati rice.
  5. 5
    Let the rice toast briefly, then add water, mix, and bring to a boil.
  6. 6
    Cover and simmer for 8 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
    ~8 min
  7. 7
    Place the chicken on top of the rice, garnish with coriander and peri peri sauce, and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

452
Calories
45g
Protein
45g
Carbs
10g
Fat
3g
Fiber
Cultural Context
Peri peri chicken originates from Portuguese-influenced African cuisine, popularized globally by Nando's. This fitness-adapted version uses chicken thighs for juiciness while keeping calories low.
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Jalalsamfit
EASIEST High Protein Peri Peri Chicken & Spicy Rice! ONLY 452 CALS #recipe #healthy #fatloss #foodie
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