Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe

If you adore the bold flavors of peri-peri combined with the smooth richness of cream, then this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner favorite. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that brings a warming kick from the peri-peri sauce wrapped in a velvety creamy sauce, all served over fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and that luscious sauce creates a comforting yet exciting meal that’s accessible enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on the harmony of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the spicy punch of peri-peri sauce to the creamy smoothness of heavy cream and the smoky undertones of paprika, every addition is thoughtfully selected to deliver a memorable meal.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for a quick cook time and soaking up all those delicious spices and sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds that indulgent, creamy texture that softens the heat and brings the sauce together.
• 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce: The star ingredient providing spicy, tangy flavor that makes this dish stand out.
• 2 cups cooked white rice: The ideal base to soak up the creamy peri-peri sauce and balance the spice.
• 1 medium onion: Sautéed to sweetness, it adds depth and body to the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick that complements the peri-peri flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden, caramelized crust.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness that layers beautifully with the peri-peri sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor even further, boosting savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Helps round out the seasoning for a well-balanced taste.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
• 1 cup chicken stock: Gives the sauce body and richness, preventing it from becoming too thick.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty contrast that lifts the creamy sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, colorful touch to finish off the dish with a burst of herbaceous flavor.

How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This spice blend sets the foundation for that rich, smoky flavor essential to the dish. Make sure each piece is well coated so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust on both sides. This step locks in juices and adds a lovely texture contrast to the tender interior.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant, releasing sweet and savory aromas that will deepen the sauce’s complexity. Don’t rush this step — it’s where flavor really starts to build.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens slightly into a luscious, velvety sauce. This blend brings heat, creaminess, and bright citrus notes all at once.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet and simmer everything together until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This allows the chicken to soak up the sauce’s flavors without drying out, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat.

Step 6: Serve with Fluffy Rice

Place a hearty scoop of the cooked white rice on each plate, then top with the creamy peri-peri chicken and plenty of sauce. This combination is pure comfort—soft rice balancing the spicy creaminess of the chicken perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Not only does it add a pop of vibrant color, but the fresh herbal notes brighten the rich, creamy sauce beautifully and provide a fresh contrast to the smoky spice.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with crisp roasted vegetables, a light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or steamed greens like broccoli or green beans to add freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the creamy peri-peri chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or spoon the sauce and chicken into warm tortillas for a delicious peri-peri chicken wrap. Garnish with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy peri-peri chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week. The flavors continue to meld, sometimes tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the dish, separate the chicken from the rice before freezing. Keep the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Rice can also be frozen but tends to have better texture when refrigerated only. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the creamy peri-peri chicken gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce gets too thick. Warm the rice separately or alongside the chicken if reheating in a covered skillet.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks can be used instead of breasts, but keep in mind they may require a longer cooking time. Bone-in pieces will add extra flavor to the sauce as they cook.

How spicy is the peri-peri sauce in this dish?

Peri-peri sauce can vary in heat depending on the brand or homemade version. This recipe balances the spice with cream, so it’s medium heat. You can adjust the amount of peri-peri sauce to dial up or down the spice level according to your taste.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

What type of rice works best?

Fluffy white rice is ideal here because it absorbs the sauce well and has a neutral flavor. Jasmine or basmati rice both work wonderfully for their fragrance, but any long-grain rice will do.

Can I prep parts of this recipe in advance?

You can chop the onions and garlic ahead of time and even season the chicken the day before to enhance flavor. Cooking the sauce separately and reheating later also saves time on busy days.

Final Thoughts

The Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe is truly a comfort food champion with a spicy, creamy twist. It’s straightforward to make but delivers complex flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this dish brings warmth, spice, and satisfaction to any table. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share and savor.

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