Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Rice

Spicy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying—tender peri peri chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice for the perfect flavor-packed meal!

The creamy sauce, rich with the bold kick of peri peri, clings to every tender piece of chicken, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. As the spice dances on your taste buds, the creaminess from the sauce offers a soothing balance, turning up the heat without overwhelming the palate. There's something about that perfect harmony between heat and cream that just makes you crave more. When paired with the fluffy rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce, it's like a comforting hug for your taste buds. The rice serves as the perfect base, letting the chicken shine while also absorbing every bit of the vibrant peri peri goodness. And trust me, as the aromas fill your kitchen, you'll find yourself eagerly anticipating that first bite! Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite—easy, flavorful, and so satisfying.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

When it comes to this dish, every ingredient plays a crucial part in creating that rich, balanced flavor profile. From the tender chicken breasts to the zesty peri peri sauce, everything comes together to elevate this meal into something truly special. Here's a closer look at the key ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts: The star of the show! These tender cuts of chicken are perfect for soaking up all the spicy, creamy sauce while providing a juicy, lean protein to balance the dish.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, olive oil brings a touch of richness and helps to create that beautiful golden-brown crust. It also adds a subtle flavor to complement the spices.
• Paprika: This smoky, slightly sweet spice enhances the dish with depth and a beautiful color. It also adds a mild heat that rounds out the peri peri's kick.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a warm, savory note to the sauce. It's perfect for boosting the overall umami flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder contributes a mellow, savory element that helps balance the spices and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Dried oregano: This herb brings a touch of earthiness to the recipe, providing a classic Mediterranean flavor that complements the boldness of the peri peri sauce.
• Peri peri sauce: The heart and soul of this dish! With its fiery, tangy heat, peri peri sauce brings an exciting kick that makes every bite a little adventure for your taste buds.
• Heavy cream: The creaminess of heavy cream smooths out the spice, making the sauce velvety and rich, offering a perfect contrast to the heat of the peri peri sauce.
• Chicken broth: A key player in creating a flavorful sauce, chicken broth adds depth and savory notes, enhancing the overall richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lemon juice: A burst of freshness, lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cream and sauce, adding a touch of brightness that elevates the entire dish.
• Salt: Salt is essential for bringing all the flavors together, helping to enhance the natural taste of each ingredient and providing the perfect seasoning balance.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and spice, complementing the boldness of the peri peri and balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
• Butter: A small but mighty ingredient that adds a luxurious richness to the sauce, making it extra creamy and indulgent while helping to bind everything together.
• Long grain white rice: The perfect base for the creamy chicken and sauce, long grain rice soaks up all the flavorful juices, offering a fluffy, tender texture that makes each bite comforting.
• Water: Used to cook the rice, water ensures the grains cook up perfectly soft and fluffy, ready to absorb all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

STEP 1:

Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of long grain white rice, a pinch of salt, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and set it aside.

STEP 2:

While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. This will ensure the chicken is perfectly seasoned and flavorful.

STEP 3:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to rest.

STEP 4:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup of peri peri sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

STEP 5:

Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

STEP 6:

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy peri peri sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up all those flavorful juices.

STEP 7:

To serve, plate the rice first and spoon the creamy peri peri chicken on top. Pour any extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice for added flavor and richness.

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Serving Suggestions for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

1. Pair with a Fresh Green Salad: The creamy richness of the peri peri chicken calls for something fresh and light on the side. A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple lemon vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the heat and creaminess of the dish. The zesty lemon dressing will also complement the citrusy kick from the lemon juice in the chicken sauce.

2. Add a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, are a perfect match. Their slightly caramelized edges and tender texture make them a great contrast to the spiciness of the chicken, and the natural sweetness of the veggies balances the bold flavors of the peri peri sauce beautifully.

3. Serve with Warm Flatbread: For an extra indulgence, serve your creamy peri peri chicken with soft, warm flatbread. The bread is perfect for mopping up all the creamy sauce that's left on your plate, making each bite even more satisfying. Plus, it adds a touch of comfort to this already cozy meal.

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How to Store Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let's be honest, is always a treat), storing this dish properly will keep it tasting just as delicious for your next meal. To start, let the creamy peri peri chicken and rice cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container and keeps the flavors locked in.

For the best results, place the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. The rice can sometimes get a bit soggy when stored with the sauce, so keeping them separate helps maintain its fluffy texture. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back that creamy sauce. The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep it moist.

If you plan to store it for a longer period, freezing works too. Just make sure to let everything cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze both the chicken and rice together, but keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly once thawed. To reheat, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. You'll still have a tasty meal, even if it's a little different from the fresh version!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Creamy Peri Peri Chicken with Rice, a dish that brings bold flavors, comforting textures, and just the right amount of spice to your table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy peri peri sauce, and fluffy rice is truly something to savor, whether you're cooking for a cozy dinner at home or preparing a meal to share with friends. It's a dish that never fails to impress, and the best part? It's so simple to make!

I hope you enjoyed reading through the recipe and that you're ready to give it a try in your own kitchen. I'd love to hear how it turns out for you whether you add your own twist or follow the recipe to the letter, I'm sure it'll be delicious! If you have any questions, need a little guidance, or just want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment. Happy cooking, and enjoy that perfect balance of creamy, spicy goodness!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and actually stay more tender during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side since thighs are thicker. The extra fat in thighs also adds more flavor to the sauce.

→ How spicy is peri peri sauce?

Peri peri sauce has a medium heat level with a tangy, garlicky flavor. The cream in this dish mellows the spice significantly, making it approachable for most palates. If you're sensitive to heat, start with less sauce and add more to taste.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for richness, and use olive oil instead of butter. The coconut cream provides similar thickness and adds a subtle tropical note that complements the peri peri flavors beautifully.

→ What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and absorbs the sauce perfectly. Jasmine or basmati rice also work well. Avoid short grain rice as it can become too sticky and won't complement the creamy sauce as nicely.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat at medium or lower when adding the cream, and stir constantly. If the sauce does separate, remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to bring it back together. Don't let the sauce boil once the cream is added.

→ Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can season and sear the chicken ahead, then store it separately from the sauce components. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and make the fresh sauce. The dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and flavor.