Ingredients
To make the ultimate Peri-Peri Chicken Bowl, you don’t need a ton of ingredients—just a handful of fresh, vibrant items and a few key pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons of peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, or a low-carb option like cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin the dressing, as needed
How to Make the Peri-Peri Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring this dish to life. The first step is marinating the chicken to ensure it’s packed with flavor. You don’t need to let it sit overnight, but allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) will make a big difference.
1. Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl, mix the peri-peri sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Cook the Chicken Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken, depending on what you prefer or what equipment you have available. For grilling, heat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
For a stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Assembling the Peri-Peri Chicken Bowl
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Peri-Peri Chicken Bowl! The beauty of this dish is that it’s completely customizable. You can add as many or as few ingredients as you’d like to match your cravings. Here’s how to build a delicious and balanced bowl:
1. Prepare the Base Start with your choice of base. Whether it’s rice, quinoa, or a leafy green salad, this is the foundation of your bowl. Place the cooked rice or greens in a large bowl as the first layer.
2. Add the Fresh Veggies Next, layer in the fresh veggies. Start by adding some mixed greens (like spinach or arugula), followed by cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. These crisp, fresh veggies provide a cooling contrast to the spicy chicken and will add a burst of color to your bowl.
3. Add the Sliced Peri-Peri Chicken Now, add the sliced peri-peri chicken on top of your veggies. The tender chicken, coated in that flavorful sauce, should be the star of the show. Feel free to drizzle some extra peri-peri sauce on top for an added kick!
4. Top it Off with Avocado and Cilantro To balance out the heat, add some creamy avocado slices to your bowl. The smooth texture and mild flavor of avocado perfectly complement the spiciness of the chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish.
5. Drizzle the Dressing Lastly, drizzle the homemade tahini dressing over the top for added creaminess and flavor. The tangy lemon and rich tahini will bring everything together beautifully.
Conclusion
Incorporating peri-peri chicken into a bowl of fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a flavorful dressing is an absolute game-changer. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a dish that’s full of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying combination of textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder approach, the Peri-Peri Chicken Bowl is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!
