If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet delivers a comforting creamy finish, you have to try this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe. The tender chicken breasts get perfectly seared with aromatic spices, then bathed in a luscious peri peri cream sauce that brings a delightful kick without overpowering. Paired with fluffy, beautifully cooked rice, this meal is both satisfying and simple enough for any weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but comes together effortlessly, making it one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something vibrant yet cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and richness that make the dish unforgettable. From the smoky paprika to the silky heavy cream, every component is essential to achieving the perfect balance.
- 2 boneless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking in flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and savory backbone.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a fragrant herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce: The soul of the dish, delivering that signature spicy tang.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and rich.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and concentrated flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness with a fresh zing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For silky smoothness and a luxurious finish.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The hearty, fluffy base of this dish.
- 2 cups water: To perfectly cook the rice.
How to Make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Chicken
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of olive oil. This step is key to getting that beautiful golden crust on your chicken breasts. While the oil heats up, season your chicken thoroughly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix creates the aromatic base that makes the dish so memorable.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts carefully in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 6 to 7 minutes on one side to develop a deep, golden color, then flip and cook the other side until fully done. Patience here pays off with juicy chicken packed with flavor. When cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the peri peri sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Stir everything together, being sure to scrape up any tasty bits left on the bottom of the pan from cooking the chicken. These bits are flavor gold and will enrich the sauce beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Add butter to the sauce and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated, lending the sauce a silky texture and rich taste. Return your chicken breasts to the pan and coat them well in the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld together, turning the chicken into an irresistible vessel of creaminess and spice.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While your chicken is soaking up the sauce, rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping. Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a separate pot, then add the rinsed rice. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it cook quietly for 18 to 20 minutes. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it covered until serving time.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Place a generous bed of fluffy rice on each plate, lay a creamy peri peri chicken breast on top, and spoon over extra sauce for that final flourish of flavor and indulgence. Now you’re ready to dive into one of the most comforting and flavor-packed meals you’ll make all week.
How to Serve Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a burst of vibrant color and freshness that balances the richness of the creamy peri peri sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side also invites everyone to add a bright citrusy twist if desired.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. A crisp side salad with cucumber and tomato tossed in a light vinaigrette also complements the richness and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the chicken sliced over the rice with the sauce drizzled artistically across the plate. Alternatively, scoop the rice into neat rounds using a mold or ramekin, then nestle the chicken on top for an elegant touch that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe, store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain the texture and freshness. Stored properly, they will last in the refrigerator up to 3 days, making easy, flavorful meals ready for the next few days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container, but it is best to freeze the rice separately as it keeps better texture that way. Use within 2 months and defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick. Stir occasionally to maintain creaminess and ensure even heat without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful, and they hold up beautifully in creamy sauces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re perfectly cooked and tender.
How spicy is the peri peri sauce in this recipe?
The peri peri sauce adds a pleasant moderate heat with a tangy kick. If you prefer it milder, start with less sauce and adjust to taste. For more heat, you can always add extra or serve with chili flakes on the side.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less thick and rich, so simmer it a bit longer to achieve the creamy texture.
Can I prepare this dish for meal prep?
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep since the chicken stays flavorful and the rice reheats beautifully. Just portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days for quick and tasty lunches or dinners.
What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and separate, creating the perfect canvas for the creamy peri peri chicken. You can also try basmati rice for a subtly nutty aroma.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe. It’s a wonderful balance of spicy, creamy, and comforting all wrapped up in one delightful dish that’s simple enough to make any night of the week. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, flavorful meal – once you try it, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese-inspired
Description
A flavorful and creamy peri peri chicken recipe served over tender long grain white rice. This dish features boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in a rich peri peri cream sauce, perfect for a comforting yet spicy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season both chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to build layers of flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: When the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add peri peri sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice to deglaze and create the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir the mixture well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce for richness and smooth texture.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy peri peri sauce over them to coat thoroughly.
- Simmer with Sauce: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes so the flavors absorb fully.
- Rinse the Rice: While the chicken simmers, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rinsed rice, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Simmer Rice: Let the rice cook covered for 18-20 minutes or until all water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the Rice: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and keep it covered until serving.
- Serve the Dish: Plate the creamy peri peri chicken on top of the rice, spooning extra sauce over the top for added flavor.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of peri peri sauce to increase or decrease the spiciness based on preference.
- Using boneless chicken breasts ensures quicker and even cooking; alternatively, thighs can be used for juicier meat.
- Rinsing the rice is important to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
