Introduction
If you’re looking for a spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal, this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a must-try! Bursting with bold flavors, this dish combines tender chicken cooked in a rich peri-peri sauce with perfectly seasoned rice. It’s an easy one-pan meal that brings a restaurant-quality experience to your home kitchen.
Peri-peri sauce, known for its fiery kick and smoky undertones, originated from Portuguese and African cuisines. It has gained global popularity for its balance of heat, tanginess, and creaminess, making it a perfect base for a comforting chicken dish. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to add variety to your meals, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Dish?
- Bold & Spicy – Packed with the irresistible heat of peri-peri sauce.
- Rich & Creamy – The perfect balance of heat and smooth creaminess.
- One-Pan Convenience – Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- High in Protein – A nutritious meal that satisfies hunger.
- Perfectly Balanced – Served with fluffy rice to mellow out the spice.
Origin of This Dish
Peri-peri sauce has its roots in Portuguese and African cuisine, specifically Angola and Mozambique, where Portuguese settlers introduced chili peppers. Over time, the sauce evolved into the flavorful and fiery condiment we love today. This dish incorporates peri-peri flavors into a creamy chicken recipe, offering a delicious fusion of spice and comfort.
Ingredients for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 1 cup peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix peri-peri sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a saucepan, melt butter and toast the uncooked rice for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the creamy peri-peri chicken over the rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
- Enjoy this spicy, creamy, and satisfying dish!
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Chicken – A great source of lean protein that supports muscle growth.
- Peri-Peri Peppers – Rich in antioxidants and known to boost metabolism.
- Garlic & Paprika – Help reduce inflammation and improve immunity.
- Rice – Provides energy and keeps you full for longer.
- Heavy Cream – Adds healthy fats for a satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Tips:
- Marinate for longer – The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor.
- Adjust spice level – Use more or less peri-peri sauce based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh herbs – Fresh parsley or cilantro enhances the final dish.
- Stir the sauce well – Ensures the cream blends smoothly with the peri-peri sauce.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Skipping the marination – Reduces flavor depth in the chicken.
- Overcooking the chicken – It can become dry if cooked too long.
- Using too much peri-peri sauce – Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Forgetting the lemon wedges – They add a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Serving Tips
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with warm garlic naan or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Enjoy with a glass of cool yogurt-based drink to balance the spice.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Interesting Facts About This Dish
- Peri-peri sauce is also called African Bird’s Eye Chili Sauce because of its key ingredient.
- The spice level can vary – Some peri-peri sauces are mild, while others are extremely hot.
- This dish is a fusion of Portuguese and African flavors, making it an exciting culinary experience.
- Pairing it with rice helps mellow out the bold heat and creates a satisfying balance.
Summarized Recipe
- Marinate chicken in peri-peri sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook rice with butter and chicken broth, then set aside.
- Pan-fry the marinated chicken until browned.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
- Serve over rice, garnish with fresh herbs, and add lemon wedges.
This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is the perfect meal for spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the best of creamy and spicy flavors. Give it a try and bring a taste of global cuisine to your table tonight!
