If you’ve been craving a meal that brings a rush of bold flavors, Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is about to become your new obsession. This recipe is a glorious fusion of savory chicken, vibrant peri-peri heat, luscious creaminess, and perfectly tender rice—resulting in a weeknight-friendly comfort dish packed with color and personality. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply jazzing up your dinner rotation, Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice promises an irresistibly rich sauce and just the right amount of kick to make every bite sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need to hunt down hard-to-find items for this masterpiece. Each ingredient plays an important role, coming together to create that signature spicy-creamy balance, gorgeous color, and satisfying texture that defines Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy, tender protein soaks up the peri-peri flavor; choose your favorite cut or mix both!
- Peri-peri sauce: The signature heat! Pick mild for subtlety or hot for serious spice; adjust to your personal taste.
- Heavy cream: Luxuriously thickens the sauce while mellowing out the spice, creating a gorgeous, silky finish.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps develop the perfect sauce consistency.
- Olive oil: Ensures the chicken cooks to golden-brown perfection while keeping it moist.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a sweet, aromatic base that enhances every layer of flavor.
- Garlic: Delivers a subtle punch and irresistible aroma when sautéed to golden goodness.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and an inviting pop of color to the sauce.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a warm backbone that takes the flavor profile up a notch.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for drawing out the best in every ingredient.
- Lemon juice: A bright, fresh finish that cuts the creaminess and highlights all the bold spices.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Offers a hit of color and fresh flavor in every sprinkle.
- Cooked white or jasmine rice: The ultimate, pillowy base that soaks up all the dreamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and half of your peri-peri sauce. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with fiery flavor and ensures every piece is coated in those signature spices. If you have a few extra minutes, let the chicken marinate—just 10–30 minutes—while you prep other ingredients for an even bigger flavor payoff.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a gorgeous golden-brown color. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked through and juicy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; those pan juices are just getting started.
Step 3: Start the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Into the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion—let it soften and sweeten for about 3 minutes, scraping up any bits that stuck to the pan for maximum flavor. Then, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, letting everything mingle for another minute until it smells downright irresistible.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce
Add in the rest of the peri-peri sauce, chicken broth, and that all-important heavy cream. Give it a good stir and watch the sauce come together into a vibrant, slightly spicy, and gloriously creamy mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away for a minute or two as the flavors combine.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your seared chicken and any collected juices back to the skillet. Simmer everything for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and beautifully coat the chicken. Finish it off with a burst of lemon juice for brightness, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh accent, and serve the whole glorious thing piping hot over steaming rice.
How to Serve Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Garnishes
Nothing makes Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice look more inviting than a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley, which adds color and a pop of flavor. Sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika for a dramatic touch, or add thin lemon slices for a bright, citrusy finish. If you’re a fan of texture, a handful of toasted slivered almonds or crispy shallots can take things to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with a few clever sides never hurts. Think lightly steamed green beans, roasted zucchini, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the creamy, spicy sauce. Warm naan or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice to a crowd, present it family-style in a large shallow platter, layering the rice as the base and spooning the saucy chicken on top. For an elegant twist, mold the rice using a small bowl as a mold and neatly arrange the chicken and sauce beside it. Individual serving bowls with extra lemon wedges and fresh greens make your guests feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice store like a dream! Simply let any extra chicken and sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days without any loss of flavor or texture—making tomorrow’s lunch a serious treat.
Freezing
Creamy dishes can sometimes be finicky when frozen, but this recipe holds up well. Once cooled, pack the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, freeze the rice separately to avoid any sogginess. When you’re ready, thaw everything overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, stirring often until steaming hot. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks a little thick. For microwave reheating, use 50 percent power and stir midway. Rice can be steamed or microwaved with a damp towel over the top to restore its fluffiness. Enjoy as if it’s freshly made!
FAQs
What exactly is peri-peri sauce, and where can I find it?
Peri-peri sauce is a flavorful, tangy chili sauce of African and Portuguese origin, made from spicy bird’s eye chilies, garlic, lemon, and spices. Look for it in the international aisle of most supermarkets, or try specialty food stores and online retailers. You can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and richer, but breasts will work just as well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly. Cut your breasts into even chunks for best results.
How spicy is Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice?
The heat level depends entirely on your peri-peri sauce. Use a mild version for warmth without burn, or opt for hot if you love a fiery kick. Since the cream tempers the heat, the result isn’t overpowering but rather deeply flavorful.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this dish?
Definitely! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a thick Greek-style dairy-free yogurt for a creamy texture reminiscent of the original. The flavor will be slightly different but no less delicious.
Can I make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice ahead for meal prep?
This dish is a lifesaver for meal prep! Assemble, cool, and divide into individual containers with the rice on the side. Store in the fridge for up to three days, reheating portions as needed for satisfying lunches or dinners all week long.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is one of those magical meals that feels both exciting and comforting, perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every spoonful—the bold flavors, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice make every bite unforgettable. Give this recipe a spot at your table and get ready for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to dig in!
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Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice for a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce served over a bed of fluffy rice. This Portuguese-inspired dish is a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (mild or hot)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the peri-peri sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, paprika, and cumin. Add peri-peri sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer until sauce thickens. Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley. Serve over rice.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Adjust the level of peri-peri sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Great with a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
