Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Introduction

Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice is the kind of dish that ignites your senses with its bold, smoky heat and luxurious creaminess. The fiery peri peri sauce, with its perfect blend of spices and tang, coats the tender chicken, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. The rich, creamy sauce ties everything together, while the fluffy rice soaks up every bit of that deliciousness, making each mouthful a satisfying experience. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight on your table.

The first time I made Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice, I was instantly hooked. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had tasted before. As the chicken marinated in the spicy peri peri sauce, I could already imagine how the smoky, zesty heat would pair perfectly with the smoothness of the creamy sauce. The moment it hit the plate, I was greeted with the intoxicating aroma of spices, and the creamy sauce brought everything together in the most mouthwatering way.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste by adding more or less peri peri sauce, and it works beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. No matter how you enjoy it, Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, bringing zest and warmth to any meal.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Special occasions
• Comfort food lovers
• Spice enthusiasts
• Easy-to-make family meals

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Here’s why Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice is sure to become a household favorite:

• Bold, Spicy Flavor: The peri peri sauce adds a rich heat and tanginess to the chicken, giving it a distinctive kick without overpowering the taste.
• Creamy and Comforting: The creamy sauce brings the perfect balance to the spiciness of the peri peri, making it indulgent and comforting.
• One-Pan Wonder: The entire dish is made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and the cooking process simple and efficient.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in a pinch.
• Versatile: You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of peri peri sauce, making it customizable for all tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

To prepare your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Peri Peri Sauce: The star of this dish, peri peri sauce is a spicy, tangy sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and other flavorful ingredients. It infuses the chicken with a vibrant and zesty flavor.
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and remain tender when cooked in the creamy sauce.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best to absorb the delicious creamy sauce and serves as the perfect base for the chicken.
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish, creating a silky sauce that balances the heat from the peri peri sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: The smoky flavor from paprika complements the peri peri sauce, enhancing the depth of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Coat them evenly with the spices.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce and Rice:

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the Peri Peri Sauce: Stir in the peri peri sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop its flavor.
5. Add the Rice and Broth: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the peri peri sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

6. Add the Cream: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream to make the sauce creamy and rich. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Reintroduce the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the skillet with the rice and creamy sauce. Stir to combine and let the chicken heat through in the sauce.

Finish and Serve:

8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the dish and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy, spicy flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice can be served in various ways to complement your meal:

• As a Complete Meal: Serve the chicken and rice together on a plate for a filling and satisfying dinner.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a light green salad with a citrusy dressing to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a healthy and vibrant side.
• As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare this dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat for a quick, delicious meal when needed.
• With Extra Heat: For those who love heat, add a few extra dollops of peri peri sauce or fresh chili slices on top before serving.

Additional Tips for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Here are some tips to ensure your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice is perfect every time:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less peri peri sauce or opt for a mild version. You can always add more spice later if you want extra heat.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine or chicken stock when cooking the onion and garlic to enhance the depth of flavor.
• Cook the Rice Separately: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the rice separately and combine it with the creamy sauce and chicken afterward. However, cooking it in the skillet with the broth and peri peri sauce adds more flavor.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a delicious dairy-free version of this dish.

Recipe Variations for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Here are 10 variations you can try for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to add more veggies to the dish.
• Chicken Thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
• Add Bacon: Fry up some bacon and crumble it over the dish for an extra layer of smokiness and crunch.
• Coconut Cream Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical twist on the creamy sauce.
• Spicy Peri Peri Rice: Mix some peri peri sauce directly into the rice for an added punch of flavor.
• Serve with Naan: For a fusion twist, serve the dish with warm naan bread instead of rice for a different texture.
• Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the creamy sauce for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• BBQ Peri Peri Chicken: Grill the chicken and brush it with peri peri sauce for a smoky, charred flavor.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheddar or parmesan over the chicken and rice before serving for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.
• Add Avocado: Serve with sliced avocado on top for a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy chicken.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the chicken, rice, and sauce in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture.

Special Equipment for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice easier:

• Large Skillet: A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and preparing the creamy sauce and rice.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring to prevent any damage to your non-stick cookware.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the chicken breasts into strips before serving.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important to ensure the right balance of spices and cream in the dish.
• Lid for Skillet: A lid helps trap moisture while cooking the rice, making it tender and fluffy.

FAQ Section for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, brown rice can be substituted, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid to ensure it cooks properly.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
3. How do I make this spicier?
   You can increase the amount of peri peri sauce, or add extra chili peppers to the dish for a more intense heat.
4. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes, you can swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even lamb for a unique variation.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat and add the garnish before serving.

Print

Conclusion

Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that effortlessly blends spice with comfort. The bold, spicy peri peri sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, while the creamy rice adds a soothing contrast to the heat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

The best part? You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making it as mild or fiery as you like. The creamy sauce brings everything together, creating a dish that’s comforting and satisfying, with just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for any occasion.

I’d love to hear how your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!