Savor the Heat: Peri Peri Maryland Chicken Bowl

Craving something bold, spicy, and packed with flavor? The Peri Peri Maryland Chicken Bowl is your answer. This fiery bowl brings together smoky Mexican rice, creamy cheese sauce, crispy chicken poppers, and fresh veggie toppings—all elevated with a dash of zesty peri peri seasoning. Inspired by the vibrant street food flavors of Maryland chicken and the global appeal of peri peri spice, this bowl is the perfect mix of comfort, crunch, and heat.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or putting together a spicy dinner in under 30 minutes, this bowl delivers every time.

Peri Peri Maryland Chicken Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mexican rice (cooked with spices, bell pepper, and tomato)

• ¼ cup tomato salsa

• 2 tbsp sour cream

• ½ cup fresh veggie salad (lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrots)

• 6–8 chicken poppers (fried or air-fried)

• 2 tbsp cheese sauce

• ½ tsp peri peri seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mexican Rice

• In a saucepan, sauté 1 tsp olive oil with 1 clove minced garlic and 2 tbsp finely chopped onions.

• Add ¼ cup diced bell pepper and cook until slightly soft.

• Stir in 1 cup cooked long-grain rice, 1 tbsp tomato puree or chopped tomatoes, a pinch of cumin, paprika, and salt to taste.

• Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes until flavors blend. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Salsa

• Mix ¼ cup chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp finely chopped onions, 1 tsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chopped coriander, and a pinch of salt and chili flakes.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Poppers

• Use store-bought or homemade chicken poppers. To make from scratch:

  • Dice boneless chicken into bite-sized chunks.

  • Marinate with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of peri peri seasoning for 15 minutes.

  • Coat in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs.

  • Deep fry, bake, or air-fry until golden and crispy. Keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

• Heat 2 tbsp of cheese sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth and pourable. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Veggie Salad

• In a bowl, toss together shredded lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber, and carrots. Optionally dress with a little lemon juice and salt.

Step 6: Build the Bowl

• Place Mexican rice as the base layer.

• Add a scoop of tomato salsa on one side and a dollop of sour cream on the other.

• Place the veggie salad in one corner.

• Pile the crispy chicken poppers in the center.

• Drizzle warm cheese sauce over the chicken.

• Finish with a generous sprinkle of peri peri seasoning across the bowl.

Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Nutrition Overview (per bowl)

You can adjust these values based on the actual quantities and brands used, but here’s a rough estimate:

Final Thoughts

The Peri Peri Maryland Chicken Bowl is the ultimate fusion of spice, creaminess, and crunch. With its lively mix of Mexican and peri peri flavors, it's a go-to choice when you want something indulgent yet balanced. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds.

Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this bowl delivers on all fronts—heat, heartiness, and satisfaction. Give it a try, and let the bold flavors speak for themselves.