Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice: A Flavor-Packed Dish for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a bold and flavorful dish to make for lunch or dinner, then Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is the recipe for you. This dish is a delightful combination of succulent, juicy chicken breasts, cooked to perfection, paired with fluffy rice and a rich, creamy peri-peri sauce. It’s an irresistible meal that blends the heat and spice of Peri Peri Chicken with a smooth, creamy finish that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re preparing this dish for a quick lunch recipe or an elegant dinner, the seared chicken breast brings out the natural juices of the meat, while the peri-peri sauce provides a tantalizing kick. Paired with fluffy rice, it makes for a perfect, satisfying meal that balances comfort and spice. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to create this delicious chicken with rice meal from scratch.

What is Peri-Peri Chicken?

Peri-Peri Chicken, often referred to as Peri Chicken, is a popular dish originating from Portuguese and African cuisines. The name “peri-peri” comes from the Swahili word for chili pepper, specifically the African bird’s eye chili, which is known for its fiery heat. The sauce is made from these small but potent peppers, combined with ingredients like garlic, lemon, vinegar, and spices. It’s used to marinate chicken or other proteins, giving them a distinct flavor that’s smoky, tangy, and spicy.

The Peri Peri Chicken has gained international popularity, particularly in fast-casual restaurants and home kitchens alike, because of its irresistible heat and complexity of flavors. In this recipe, we’ll take this beloved marinade and turn it into a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken breast and fluffy rice.

Ingredients for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice

To make this creamy peri-peri chicken with rice, you’ll need the following ingredients. The recipe is easy to prepare and requires simple pantry staples, making it perfect for any night of the week.

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1 lb / 450g)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Peri-Peri Sauce:

2-3 fresh red bird’s eye chilies (adjust based on your spice preference)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons honey (for balance)
½ cup heavy cream (for creaminess)

For the Rice:

1 cup basmati rice or long-grain rice
2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Peri-Peri Sauce

Start by making the peri-peri sauce. The homemade version adds a rich depth of flavor that far exceeds store-bought versions. Here’s how to make it:

Prepare the Chilies: Slice the red bird’s eye chilies, discarding the seeds if you prefer a milder sauce. If you want more heat, leave the seeds in. You can also use a combination of fresh and dried chilies depending on availability.
Sauté the Garlic and Chilies: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chilies and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and tomato paste, allowing them to cook for another minute until the spices are well incorporated and the tomato paste begins to darken slightly.
Finish the Sauce: Add lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and honey to the pan, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt.
Blend the Sauce: Once the sauce has simmered, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the blender and pulse until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This step transforms the fiery peri-peri sauce into a luscious, creamy concoction that coats the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Next, we’ll focus on cooking the chicken breasts to perfection. Here’s how to do it:

Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. Rub the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can also cover the pan and cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they cook all the way through.
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the rice. Here’s how to make the fluffy rice that will complement your peri-peri chicken:

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for added flavor) to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. After that, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. You can also stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness, if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to put the dish together:

Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice the seared chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Combine with the Sauce: Pour the creamy peri-peri sauce over the sliced chicken, tossing to coat the pieces evenly. The sauce should envelop the chicken, giving it a rich and flavorful coating.
Serve: Spoon the fluffy rice onto plates and top with the creamy peri-peri chicken. You can garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. If you prefer some extra spice, you can sprinkle red chili flakes on top.

Tips for the Best Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice

To make sure your creamy peri-peri chicken with rice turns out perfectly, here are some tips:

Adjust the Spice: The beauty of peri peri chicken lies in its heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder version, use fewer chilies or opt for a less spicy variety. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more chilies or even a dash of hot sauce.
Make Ahead: If you’re preparing this for a quick lunch recipe, you can make the peri peri chicken and rice ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat them just before serving, and you’ll have a meal ready in no time.
Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini, to the dish. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.
Serve in Bowls: If you love chicken bowls, consider serving the creamy peri-peri chicken and fluffy rice in a bowl. This makes for an easy and customizable meal, and you can add toppings like avocado, cucumber, or a drizzle of extra peri-peri sauce.
Use a Grill for the Chicken: For an added smoky flavor, consider grilling the juicy chicken breast instead of pan-searing it. Grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Pair with Sides: To make the meal even more filling, pair your peri peri chicken with rice with a side of garlic bread or a refreshing green salad. A cool cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw would also complement the spiciness of the peri-peri sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a fantastic dish that combines the heat and spice of peri-peri chicken with the richness of a creamy sauce and the comfort of fluffy rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch recipe or a hearty dinner, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. The juicy chicken breast is seared to perfection, coated in a velvety, spicy sauce, and served with rice that balances the bold flavors.

By following the steps and tips outlined above, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, satisfying, and easy to prepare. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy this tasty chicken bowls recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!