There’s something magical about combining the fiery zest of peri peri with the smooth embrace of cream, and this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice does exactly that. As a home cook who loves dialing up flavors, I can’t help but get excited about that first bite—where spicy meets silky, and tender chicken dances atop fluffy rice. This dish strikes the perfect balance between being an easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights and a show-stopping meal you’d proudly serve to guests. With an intermediate difficulty level, it takes just 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to cook, and another 30 minutes to let those flavors marry in the marinade. Each serving rings in at around 550 kcal, making it a satisfying, hearty option for lunch or dinner.
In my kitchen, this recipe has become a go-to when I need something comforting yet full of personality. I’ve hosted casual get-togethers where friends rave about that subtle tang from lemon juice, the smoky warmth of paprika, and the rich silkiness of heavy cream. It’s everything you want in a chicken and rice meal—approachable, bold, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re hunting down a spicy chicken recipe to shake up your rotation or simply seeking a creamy chicken delight that pairs perfectly with green salad or sautéed veggies, this peri peri chicken will hit all the right notes. Let’s dive into what makes it so irresistible!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY PERI PERI CHICKEN WITH RICE
Before we jump into the steps, let’s chat about the stars of this recipe. Every element here has a job: from building layers of heat to smoothing out the sauce, these ingredients work together to create that unforgettable harmony of flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
A lean and tender protein base that soaks up the peri peri marinade beautifully, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Peri peri sauce
The heart of the spice profile, this vibrant sauce brings chili heat, tangy notes, and aromatic depth, transforming simple chicken into a fiery delight.
- Heavy cream
Adds a luxuriously smooth texture that mellows the chili’s intensity, balancing heat with richness.
- Olive oil
Helps sauté the aromatics and gives the chicken a golden sear, unlocking sweet onion flavors while preventing sticking.
- Onion
Finely chopped and gently cooked, it offers a natural sweetness and savory backbone to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic
Minced for maximum punch, it infuses the dish with its signature pungency and elevates the overall savory profile.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance and harmonize all flavors, from the zesty marinade to the finished sauce.
- Paprika
Contributes smoky undertones and an extra layer of mild heat, rounding out the chili spice.
- Lemon juice
A splash of bright acidity that unlocks freshness and counteracts cream’s richness.
- Cooked rice
A neutral, fluffy canvas that soaks up the creamy peri peri sauce, completing each satisfying forkful.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY PERI PERI CHICKEN WITH RICE
Let’s walk through the process of transforming these vibrant ingredients into a creamy, spicy masterpiece. You’ll learn simple techniques like searing, sautéing, and sauce-building to create an impressive dinner that feels gourmet but comes together easily.
1. Marinate the chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together peri peri sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined. Add the chicken breasts, turning them to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until you can smell that irresistible garlicky fragrance.
3. Sear the chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, setting the excess marinade aside. Increase the skillet’s heat to medium-high and place the chicken in the pan. Sear each side for 4–5 minutes, or until a golden crust forms. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
4. Build the creamy sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the reserved marinade, whisking gently to blend into a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
5. Finish cooking the chicken
Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F and the sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Plate and garnish
Spoon a bed of cooked rice onto each plate, top with a chicken breast, and ladle generous amounts of creamy peri peri sauce over everything. Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY PERI PERI CHICKEN WITH RICE
Serving this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice is all about balancing textures and flavors, so you get a satisfying meal every time. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an informal lunch with friends, these ideas will help you elevate the experience and showcase that luscious, spicy sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad
A refreshing side of mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the rich cream, boosting flavor contrast and adding a crunchy element.
- Serve with garlic bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread makes the ultimate dipping partner. Use the leftover sauce like a spicy, creamy spread for an extra treat.
- Add roasted vegetables
Toss seasonal veggies—like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus—in olive oil and roast until tender. Their natural sweetness complements the smoky peri peri kick.
- Top with extra garnishes
Offer lemon wedges, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for guests to customize their plates.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY PERI PERI CHICKEN WITH RICE
If you happen to have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), proper storage is key to maintaining that creamy texture and bold flavor. Follow these guidelines to enjoy this dish another day without losing any of its deliciousness.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Let the chicken and sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to sealed containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep rice separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
- Freeze for longer keeping
For extended storage, place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently
Warm leftovers over low heat in a covered skillet, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
- Revive freshness
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice over the reheated dish to brighten flavors and restore that just-made appeal.
CONCLUSION
This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice brings together the best of both worlds: the vibrant kick of a peri peri chicken recipe and the soothing comfort of creamy chicken served over tender rice. From the initial marinating of the chicken to the final sprinkle of parsley, every step in this intermediate-level recipe is designed to coax out bold, layered flavors. Whether you’re aiming for a simple weeknight meal or a standout dish for lunch or dinner guests, the combination of spicy sauce, rich cream, and lean chicken is sure to impress. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a short resting period, you’ll achieve that perfect balance of ease and gourmet flair.
Feel free to print out this article and tuck it into your recipe binder—you’ll want to revisit this one again and again. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any lingering questions or tips, making your cooking process even smoother. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment or share your experience. Did you adjust the heat level? Pair it with a unique side? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. And if you need any help or have questions about technique, ingredients, or substitutions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice
Description
Experience a fiery blend of spicy peri peri sauce, silky cream, and tender chicken served over fluffy rice for a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for spicing up weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by marinating the chicken breasts. In a bowl, combine the peri peri sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for more flavor.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the remaining marinade. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Add the reserved marinade and stir well to create a creamy sauce. Bring it to a simmer.
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Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
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Serve the creamy peri peri chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
Note
- For extra heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the marinade.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a little chicken broth if needed.
- Leftover sauce can be stored and used as a delicious dip or spread.
