Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice – Spicy, Creamy & So Delicious!

Your Next Favorite Spicy & Creamy Meal Awaits!

Are you constantly on the hunt for a meal that perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and incredible flavor without taking hours to prepare? If so, you’re in the right place! The quest for that comforting, yet exciting, dish often leads us to culinary adventures, and today, we’re embarking on a flavor-packed journey with our Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice. This recipe delivers a satisfying punch of spice from the beloved peri-peri sauce, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy finish. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a celebration and weekend meals truly special. Forget dry, bland chicken; this recipe promises tender, succulent pieces bathed in a sauce that is simply irresistible. Get ready to discover a new staple in your kitchen that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!

Gather Your Flavorful Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in the quality of its ingredients and the harmonious blend of spices. We’ve broken down what you’ll need, with some suggestions for substitutions to keep things flexible!

For the Peri-Peri Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs offer more moisture and flavor, while breasts are leaner. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Or any neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil.
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet aromatic base. Shallots are a great substitute for a milder flavor.
• 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that pungent aroma and depth of flavor. A teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute if fresh is unavailable.
• 1/2 cup Peri-Peri Sauce: This is the star! You can find pre-made peri-peri sauce at most grocery stores. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, creamy texture. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or even a rich evaporated milk. Coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and savory notes. Vegetable broth works too.
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and adds a bit of tang.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that complements the chili.
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: A classic herb that pairs well with chicken.
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for a burst of freshness and color.

For the Rice:

• 1.5 cups Basmati Rice or Jasmine Rice: Long-grain varieties are ideal for their fluffy texture.
• 3 cups Water or Chicken Broth: For cooking the rice.
• 1 tbsp Butter or Oil: For richness and preventing sticking.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Or to taste.

Timing is Everything

This recipe is quite efficient, coming in at a total of 45 minutes, which is faster than many weeknight chicken dinners that can easily stretch to an hour or more when including prep and resting time. The quick cooking time for both the chicken and the rice makes it perfect for busy evenings.

Step-by-Step Culinary Adventure

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by ensuring your chicken is prepped. If you’re using boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, trim any excess fat. Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Infuse Flavor into the Sauce Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become more aromatic. This step significantly deepens the flavor profile.

Step 3: Sizzle and Sear the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where a lot of flavor lives! Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Peri-Peri Magic

Now for the star! Stir in the peri-peri sauce and the heavy cream. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer in the creamy peri-peri sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly to coat the chicken beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water.

Step 5: Prepare the Perfect Rice

While the chicken simmers, prepare your rice. Rinse the basmati or jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water (or broth), butter (or oil), and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Let it steam, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

To serve, spoon a generous portion of the fluffy rice onto each plate. Top with the creamy peri-peri chicken and its luscious sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a vibrant contrast and a touch of freshness. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Nutritional Snapshot

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is estimated to be:

• Calories: Approximately 450-600 kcal
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g (varies with cream/oil used)
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: 2-4g

Note: This is a general estimate. For precise tracking, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.

Healthier Twists to Enjoy

Looking to lighten up this decadent dish without sacrificing flavor? Here are a few swaps:

• Leaner Protein: Opt for chicken breast, or even firm tofu or an extra-firm paneer if you’re vegetarian.
• Lighter Cream Source: Replace heavy cream with a mix of low-fat milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry, or use light coconut milk for a dairy-free, lower-fat creamy element. Evaporated skim milk is also a good option.
• Whole Grains: Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice to boost fiber and complex carbohydrates.
• Reduced Sodium: Use low-sodium broths and peri-peri sauces, and control salt addition yourself.
• Extra Veggies: Bulk up the dish by adding spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli florets to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas

This dish is quite complete on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted with a little olive oil and salt make a delightful side.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy peri-peri sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken is absolutely perfect, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Cook it until just done.
• Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the sauce. Add it towards the end of sautéing aromatics and cook quickly.
• Not Browning the Chicken: Browning creates flavor (Maillard reaction). Don’t skip this step!
• Sauce Too Thin/Thick: Adjust with more broth/water for thinning or simmering longer for thickening.
• Skipping Rice Rinsing: Unrinsed rice can result in gummy, sticky grains.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much, or in the microwave until heated through.

Spice Up Your Life, One Bite at a Time!

And there you have it – a spectacularly flavorful, wonderfully creamy, and satisfyingly spicy Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with minimal fuss. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the peri-peri heat, and get ready to fall in love with this vibrant, delicious meal. Don’t wait – try this recipe this week and let us know how much you enjoyed it in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice – Flavorful Dinner Recipe

• Author: Chef Mia

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Description

Welcome to a mouth-watering journey filled with flavors and spice! If you’re searching for a hearty yet creamy meal, look no further than this deliciousCreamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice. Perfectly seasoned chicken paired with rich peri-peri sauce makes for a dish that’s not only easy to make but also irresistible. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g(1lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoonsolive oil
• 2 tablespoonslemon juice
• 3garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 teaspoonssmoked paprika
• 1 teaspoonoregano
• 2 teaspoonssalt
• 1 teaspoonblack pepper
• 1onion, finely chopped
• 1red bell pepper, chopped
• 1yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 4garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoonturmeric
• 2 cupsjasmine rice
• 4 cupschicken broth or water
• 2 teaspoonssalt
• 2 cupsfrozen corn
• ½ cupperi-peri sauce
• ¾ cupheavy cream
• Lemon juice to taste
• Salt to taste
• For a lighter version, useGreek yogurtinstead of heavy cream in the sauce.
• If you’re avoiding dairy, substitutecoconut creamfor the heavy cream for a subtle tropical flavor.
• Usebrown riceorcauliflower ricefor a healthier, low-carb option.

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
2. In a medium-sized pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and bell peppers in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add the crushed garlic and turmeric, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the jasmine rice and pour in the chicken broth or water. Season with salt and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Once the rice has absorbed the majority of the liquid, stir in the frozen corn. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes. After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit while you prepare the chicken.
4. Heat a grill pan over high heat (or preheat an outdoor grill). Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the peri-peri sauce, heavy cream, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
6. Spoon the rice onto a plate, top with grilled chicken, and generously drizzle the creamy peri-peri sauce over the dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

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Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra peri-peri sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice in both the marinade and the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor.