There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy chicken dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and creamy goodness, tied together with the gentle heat of peri-peri sauce.
Peri-peri sauce, a staple of Southern African cuisine with Portuguese roots, is the star of this recipe. Its fiery kick is balanced perfectly with creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a meal that’s both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress your loved ones with minimal effort, this recipe has you covered.
Let’s dive in and create a dish that’s sure to earn a spot on your list of favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bold and Creamy Flavors: The combination of peri-peri heat and the smooth creaminess is irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to suit your taste by adding more or less peri-peri sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into the chicken to coat it evenly.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the delicious sauce.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Simmer the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). As the chicken cooks, it will absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
6. Serve:
Spoon the creamy peri-peri chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Helpful Tips:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon of peri-peri sauce and gradually add more to taste.
- Perfect Rice Every Time: For fluffy rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Can be adapted to gluten-free
Notes:
- Feel free to swap out white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Leftover sauce is a great base for pasta dishes or as a dip for crusty bread!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 420
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just note that bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken stock to loosen the sauce.
Q: Is peri-peri sauce gluten-free?
A: Most peri-peri sauces are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice, a dish that’s bold, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create something special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So grab your skillet and let the magic happen! Don’t forget to share your results and any fun twists you’ve added to the recipe—I’d love to hear your take. Happy cooking!
More Recipe Suggestions:
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Rice
Hearty White Beans and Smoked Sausage Stew
30 Minute Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken and Noodles
Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives
Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into the chicken to coat it evenly.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the delicious sauce.
Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). As the chicken cooks, it will absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
Serve:
- Spoon the creamy peri-peri chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Leftover sauce is a great base for pasta dishes or as a dip for crusty bread!
