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
Scale
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.
