If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—comforting, spicy, rich, and incredibly satisfying—then this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy, tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious, creamy peri-peri sauce make every bite a flavor-packed experience. Paired with fluffy rice, this dish brings an inviting warmth to your plate, perfect for sharing any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need a pantry packed with exotic items to create this magic. The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and texture that work harmoniously.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up that sauce.
- 2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (mild or hot): The star spice that gives the dish its irresistible kick—adjust to your heat preference.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that balances the peri-peri’s spice.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Deepens the sauce’s flavor and keeps it silky.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a smooth sear and a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and helps create that beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a gentle sweetness and soft texture after sautéing.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that pairs perfectly with the peri-peri.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika layers in a subtle earthiness and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- 2 cups water or broth (for rice): Cooking your rice in broth adds extra depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of fresh color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and the smoked paprika—it’s key for building a smoky foundation. Then, generously rub them with 1 tablespoon of peri-peri sauce to infuse that fiery personality right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in your skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want that gorgeous golden crust that seals in juiciness. Once cooked through, remove the thighs and set them aside to rest while you build your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, toss in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Those mellowed aromatics are the perfect base for the creamy peri-peri sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce
Add your chicken broth, heavy cream, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of peri-peri sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re aiming to thicken the sauce slightly so it lovingly coats the chicken.
Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan and Simmer
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning that luscious sauce all over. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes, so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through perfectly.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
While your chicken simmers, cook the rice separately using water or broth, following your package instructions. This is the soft, fluffy bed where all that creamy peri-peri sauce will shine.
How to Serve Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant green contrast but also a fresh herbal note that brightens up the indulgent creaminess of the dish. If you like a bit of extra heat, a few thin slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of additional peri-peri sauce makes for an exciting finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is already hearty, but pairing it with crisp, lightly dressed salads or roasted vegetables creates a wonderful balance of textures and colors. Think roasted bell peppers or a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken nestled on a spoonful of rice right in a rustic bowl for a cozy vibe or plate it elegantly with a side of grilled vegetables and a lime wedge to add brightness. For a fun twist, try layering the chicken and sauce over rice in individual ramekins and broil briefly for a tasty crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and chicken together—this dish improves as the rice absorbs some of the flavorful sauce.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, cool it down completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of broth or cream can easily bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a little extra cream or broth helps revive that luscious texture you loved when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, but they can dry out faster. Just be sure not to overcook and keep an eye on the cooking time.
How spicy is this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe?
The spice level depends on the peri-peri sauce you choose. Use mild for a gentle kick or hot for a bolder punch. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute coconut milk for heavy cream?
Definitely! Coconut milk adds a delightful tropical richness and a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the peri-peri flavors. It’s a great dairy-free alternative too.
What’s the best way to make the rice more flavorful?
Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water instantly boosts its flavor. You can also add a bay leaf or a pinch of turmeric for additional aroma and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about digging into a plate of this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe. The blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and simple, fluffy rice makes for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to experience it—give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a spicy, creamy peri-peri sauce. Paired with fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh parsley, it offers a perfect balance of heat and richness with African-inspired fusion flavors, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (mild or hot, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Rub 1 tablespoon of peri-peri sauce on the chicken to infuse it with spice and flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics until they soften and become fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the remaining tablespoon of peri-peri sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them thoroughly with the creamy peri-peri sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken stays moist.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken simmers, prepare the rice by cooking it according to the package directions using the 2 cups of water or broth. Typically, this involves bringing the liquid to a boil, adding the rice, reducing the heat, covering, and letting it simmer until tender.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the creamy peri-peri chicken on a bed of the cooked white rice. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of peri-peri sauce used to suit your taste.
- For an extra rich and creamy sauce, add a splash of coconut milk during the simmering step.
- You can substitute chicken breasts or use bone-in thighs for deeper flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring your peri-peri sauce and broth are gluten-free certified.
