Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe

Let me tell you, this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice recipe is one of those dishes that reliably hits all the right flavor notes—spicy, creamy, and comforting all at once. I discovered it on a chilly evening when all I craved was something warm but not too heavy, and honestly, it quickly became a weeknight favorite in my kitchen. The tangy peri-peri sauce paired with that rich creaminess just brings out a deliciously balanced heat that feels gourmet but is so easy to pull off.

If you love meals that come together in one pan and leave you with minimal cleanup, you’re going to adore making this. Plus, it works perfectly for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even when you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice recipe, you’ll find a new go-to that hits the spot, especially when you want a cozy, flavorful meal without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in some simple, fresh ingredients that come together to make big flavors. When you shop, look for good quality chicken breasts and a peri-peri sauce you love—these are the stars of the show!

• Olive oil: A good olive oil helps sear the chicken nicely, adding flavor without overpowering.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook and perfect for soaking up the creamy peri-peri sauce.
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that complements the spice.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Onion powder: Keeps the flavor consistent and well-rounded.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and great texture to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves, minced: For that fresh, fragrant punch you can’t skip.
• Chicken stock: Builds a savory base for the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, silky, and perfectly indulgent.
• Peri-peri sauce: The vibrant spicy star that gives the dish its personality.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the whole dish with a hint of fresh acidity.
• Cooked white rice: The ideal base to soak up every creamy, spicy drop.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh herbaceous note and color on top.

Variations

I like to tweak this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice recipe depending on the mood or who I’m cooking for. It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Variation: Swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier, more tender meat. I tried thigh meat once, and the sauce clings beautifully to the richer texture, making it ultra satisfying.
• Variation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist; it adds a subtle tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with peri-peri.
• Variation: For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed veggies instead of white rice—still delicious and lighter on the plate.
• Variation: Turn up the heat by adding extra peri-peri sauce or a pinch of cayenne. I usually do this on game nights when we want a bit more kick.

How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps them brown beautifully. Then, sprinkle both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. You’re looking for a nice crust that locks in juices, which really makes a difference for flavor and texture.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté it over medium heat until it’s translucent and slightly caramelized—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t rush here—letting the onions soften properly gives your sauce a rich, sweet backdrop that balances the spice perfectly.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits on the skillet bottom—that’s where the flavor lives. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes so it reduces slightly, then stir in the heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce just to a simmer—it should thicken slightly and be smooth. This creamy, spicy sauce is what makes this dish truly special, so take a moment to taste it and adjust seasoning if you want a little extra kick.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce, and spoon some sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything cook together for another 8–10 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender. This step is key for the meat to soak up all those lovely flavors. A quick tip: use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F for the perfect doneness.

Step 5: Serve with Fluffy Rice

Fluff your cooked white rice with a fork and pile it onto plates or into bowls. Spoon the creamy peri-peri chicken and sauce over the top. The rice acts like a sponge soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce—trust me, it’s insanely good and hard to stop eating.

How to Serve Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich creaminess. Sometimes, if I’m feeling adventurous, a drizzle of extra peri-peri sauce on top gives it that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

While the chicken and rice make a hearty meal on their own, I love pairing this dish with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. Roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers also balance the spicy creaminess beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served the creamy peri-peri chicken over a bed of saffron rice to add color and aroma. Another time, I even plated it with grilled corn and a side of garlic naan for a fun, fusion twist. These little presentation details make the meal feel extra special and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice recipe store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always separate the chicken and sauce from the rice if I can, so the rice doesn’t get mushy overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the chicken and sauce mixture with good results—just make sure it cools completely before freezing. I usually don’t freeze the rice since it tends to get a bit watery upon thawing, but you can freeze it if you’re okay with reheating it gently to improve texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the sauce and chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. The rice warms nicely in the microwave—just sprinkle a little water on top before heating to keep it fluffy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice recipe has become a true favorite for its ease, flavor, and that lovely mix of creamy and spicy. I love sharing it with friends and family because it always feels like something special, even on the busiest weeknights. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it more often than you thought possible, and I promise, your taste buds will thank you.

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