If you’re craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance between fiery, creamy, and downright comforting, Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is your answer. Dreamy tender chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then generously smothered in a luscious peri-peri cream sauce that packs flavor in every bite. Served on warm, fluffy rice and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this African-inspired fusion combines everyday ingredients in a way that feels both exotic and familiar—all on a weeknight schedule. Get ready to fall in love with every spicy, velvety bite of Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is just how doable it is with simple pantry staples and a few fresh essentials. Every ingredient here pulls its weight—lending color, zest, or that crucial creamy finish.
- Chicken thighs: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor absorption.
- Peri-peri sauce: The star of the show brings vibrant heat and smoky complexity—choose mild or hot to suit your mood.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and tames the heat, making the sauce totally irresistible.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the savory flavor and melds everything together beautifully.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a hint of richness.
- Butter: Boosts the sauce with a touch of decadent flavor.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion forms the aromatic base and sweetens as it cooks.
- Garlic: Brings that classic kick and makes the kitchen smell incredible.
- Smoked paprika: Offers earthy spice and big, beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the bold flavors.
- Uncooked white rice: Soft, fluffy rice is the perfect canvas for all that gorgeous sauce.
- Water or broth (for rice): Cooking rice in broth amps up the flavor even more.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness right at the end.
How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry, then giving them a liberal sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Next, rub 1 tablespoon of the peri-peri sauce over the chicken so every corner is infused with that signature zesty heat. Let these flavors hang out together while you gather the rest of your ingredients—just a few minutes can make a big difference!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add both the olive oil and butter. When the butter spitting quiets down, gently lay in the chicken thighs. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until you’ve got golden, crisp edges and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep it warm—you’ll be welcoming it back to the pan soon.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the onion and garlic, stirring well to collect all those flavorful chicken bits at the bottom. Let them soften and release all their goodness for about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, remaining peri-peri sauce, and heavy cream; stir to blend. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and just slightly thickened, building big flavors with almost no effort.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer
Gently place the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Lower the heat and let them simmer in that creamy peri-peri bath for another 5 minutes. The chicken gets even more tender, soaking in all the spicy, creamy richness.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Meanwhile, prepare your rice—whether you cook it in water for a classic base or use broth for a boost of savoriness, follow the package instructions for perfect fluffiness. Timing it so the rice is hot and ready to serve with the chicken makes for a seamless finish!
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Pile a mound of steamy rice on each plate, then nestle the creamy peri-peri chicken on top. Spoon any extra sauce over the chicken and rice, and don’t skimp—a generous ladle brings the whole dish together. Finish with a scatter of chopped parsley for brightness and color, then dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to bring out the vibrant colors and flavors of Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice. For a touch of luxury, add a few thinly sliced spring onions or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a star on its own, but it plays well with crisp salads, grilled veggies, or steamed green beans. If you’re hosting, consider a tangy cucumber salad or some charred corn—these fresh sides perfectly cut through the creamy, spicy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the standard plating by serving the chicken and sauce in a shallow bowl with rice molded in a neat ring (use a cup for shaping!). Or bring everything straight to the table in the skillet for a casual, family-style meal. For fun, offer extra peri-peri sauce or lemon wedges on the side, letting everyone customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the rice in a separate container to prevent it from getting soggy and to make reheating easier.
Freezing
If you want a quick dinner for another time, place the cooled Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice (chicken and sauce only) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Freeze rice separately for best texture; lay it flat in a zip-top bag.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the velvety texture. The rice can be revived in the microwave or steamed with a drizzle of water to restore fluffiness.
FAQs
Is Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice very spicy?
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility! You can choose mild peri-peri sauce for a gentle warmth or ramp up the heat with a spicier variety. Even with hot peri-peri, the heavy cream tames the spice, creating a balanced flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well for a leaner alternative, but be mindful not to overcook them. They tend to dry out faster than thighs, so reduce the simmering time by a minute or two.
What sides go best with this dish?
Classic steamed vegetables, crisp garden salads, or even grilled corn pair perfectly with Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice. Anything light and fresh will complement the creaminess and spice.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can! Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a rich, plant-based cream. The flavor mellows out and adds a subtle tropical note that works beautifully with peri-peri sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water. The sauce will coat the chicken and rice even more luxuriously.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about how Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice turns everyday ingredients into a vibrant, comforting meal you’ll want to share with everyone. If you’re looking for an easy dinner that still feels special, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
