Description
This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a vibrant, flavorsome dish combining tender chicken marinated in spicy Peri-Peri sauce with a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy white rice. Perfectly balanced with smoky paprika, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this one-pan stovetop recipe brings a delicious Portuguese and African-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons Peri-Peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For Serving and Garnish
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with Peri-Peri sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, browning them nicely and cooking through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant, scraping any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle the dried oregano into the skillet. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, stirring to coat them well in the creamy peri-peri sauce. Cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through thoroughly.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy peri-peri chicken over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a comforting, spicy, and creamy meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Peri-Peri sauce according to your heat preference.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, which pairs beautifully with the spicy peri-peri flavors.
- Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal with more texture and nutrients.
