Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
If you are ready to dive into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and soothing creaminess, then the Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe is your new go-to comfort meal. This Portuguese-African inspired dish brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a luscious peri-peri cream sauce served over fluffy white rice. It strikes the perfect balance between spicy kick and velvety smoothness, making every forkful an absolute delight. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe sings with warmth and boldness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a simple but essential role in creating that gorgeous flavor harmony and appealing texture for the Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe. From the tender chicken to the punchy peri-peri sauce and the rich cream, each component layers beautifully to create a memorable meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender throughout cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory lift to the dish.
- 1/2 cup peri-peri sauce: The star ingredient that delivers the spicy, tangy heat—choose mild or hot depending on your taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly creamy texture that mellows out the spice.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds extra flavor and thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens each bite.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: The perfect fluffy base that soaks up the creamy peri-peri sauce beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and cook through. This initial searing locks in juicy moisture, giving you tender, succulent chicken every time. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you build the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce, letting those natural sugars caramelize slightly, which adds wonderful depth to the final dish.
Step 3: Create the Peri-Peri Sauce
Now, stir in the peri-peri sauce and chicken broth to the onion and garlic mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This aromatic, spicy liquid is the heart of the dish and sets the tone for that perfect balance of heat and zest.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Return Chicken
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. The cream softens the spice and creates that luscious texture we all crave. Then, nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and finish cooking the chicken fully within the creamy peri-peri goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and brightness. Serve the creamy peri-peri chicken hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, letting the sauce soak into every spoonful. This final presentation makes for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing plate that feels both homey and special.
How to Serve Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish, adding a touch of green freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some thinly sliced green onions can elevate the flavor and add zesty highlights.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, lightly dressed salad greens such as arugula or spinach to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers also complement the spicy-cream sauce with their natural sweetness and provide texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style touch, serve the chicken sliced and fanned out over a neat mound of rice, then drizzle extra sauce and garnish with vivid herbs. Alternatively, turn this into a vibrant rice bowl, adding fresh avocado slices, pickled onions, or even a dollop of cooling yogurt on the side to create layers of flavor and temperature contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist, making it just as delicious the next day. Eat within 3 days for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for busy days ahead. Portion the chicken and sauce with rice into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This method ensures the sauce stays creamy and the chicken remains tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly as breasts cook a bit faster than thighs.
How spicy is this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe?
The spice level depends on the peri-peri sauce you choose. You can go mild, medium, or hot to suit your taste buds. The creaminess of the sauce also helps tone down the heat while highlighting the flavor.
Can I make my own peri-peri sauce?
Definitely! Homemade peri-peri sauce typically includes chili peppers, garlic, lemon, paprika, and herbs, offering you full control over freshness and heat level. It’s a fun way to customize the dish further.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your peri-peri sauce and chicken broth contain no gluten additives. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.
What rice is best for this dish?
Fluffy white rice works wonderfully because it soaks up the sauce perfectly. You can also experiment with basmati or jasmine rice for extra aroma, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines comforting creaminess with exciting, fiery peri-peri flavors, and this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe does just that spectacularly. It’s straightforward to prepare yet feels indulgent and satisfying every time. I can’t wait for you to try making it and savor those rich, spicy, and creamy bites that keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you taste this, it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
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Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a comforting and flavorful main course that combines tender, pan-seared chicken thighs with a spicy peri-peri cream sauce, served over fluffy white rice. This Portuguese-African inspired dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Serving
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the peri-peri sauce and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy peri-peri sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over cooked white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by choosing a mild or hot peri-peri sauce to match your spice preference.
- This recipe works well with other cuts of chicken such as breasts or drumsticks.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in peri-peri sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese-African
