Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice: Comfort Food Delight

Name: Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 cup piri-piri sauce; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk; 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

By Jennifer Elisa

September 24, 2025

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When you think of a comforting weeknight dinner, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a plate piled high with creamy peri-peri chicken and fluffy rice that just begs to be devoured. Imagine the tender chicken bathed in a rich, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds while the aroma fills the kitchen like a warm hug. It’s like the culinary equivalent of your favorite cozy blanket on a chilly evening – inviting and oh-so-satisfying.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I made creamy peri-peri chicken. It was one of those evenings when all I wanted was something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Little did I know that this dish would become my go-to for impressing guests and satisfying my own cravings alike. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this flavorful delight is bound to bring smiles around the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish simplifies weeknight cooking while delivering bold flavors that will wow your taste buds
The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with rice, making it visually stunning and irresistible
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences
You’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds) without guilt!

Ingredients for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well, but feel free to adjust based on your needs.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; they add a fragrant kick to the sauce.
Piri-Piri Sauce: This spicy sauce is the star of the show; look for homemade or store-bought varieties.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and balances out the heat from the peri-peri sauce.
Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice works beautifully here, providing a fragrant base for the meal.
Vegetable Oil: Use this for cooking the chicken; olive oil can also work if you’re feeling fancy!

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is best, so you can control how salty your dish becomes without sacrificing flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a zesty kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner

How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about five minutes per side should do it!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once your chicken is looking gorgeous and golden, toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point—no kidding!

Step 3: Stir in Piri-Piri Sauce

Pour in generous amounts of piri-piri sauce along with soy sauce and lemon juice. Stir well so that each piece of chicken gets coated in that spicy goodness.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk

Now it’s time to make things creamy! Slowly pour in coconut milk while stirring continuously. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes until everything melds together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook Your Rice

While your chicken simmers, prepare your rice according to package instructions in another pot. Fluffy rice pairs perfectly with that rich peri-peri chicken!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your creamy peri-peri chicken onto plates alongside fluffy rice. Drizzle any leftover sauce over everything because who doesn’t love extra flavor?

Enjoy this comforting weeknight dinner that promises not only satisfaction but also an explosion of flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more!

You Must Know

This creamy peri-peri chicken with rice is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
You can tweak the spice level to match your taste buds
The vibrant flavors and textures make it a showstopper on any weeknight dinner table
Perfect for busy nights but fancy enough for guests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juices, then cook the rice while preparing the creamy peri-peri sauce. This multitasking approach ensures everything comes together seamlessly, making your kitchen smell heavenly without too much chaos.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts or even use tofu for a vegetarian twist. Add some bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine in this dish!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You’ll want that creamy goodness intact!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness; they won’t dry out as easily as breasts during cooking
Adjust the peri-peri sauce to your preferred spice level — it’s okay to go mild!
Allow the dish to rest before serving; this enhances the flavors and texture

I’ll never forget the first time I made creamy peri-peri chicken with rice. My friends devoured it and demanded seconds, leading me to believe I might be on my way to culinary stardom—or at least a reliable weeknight dinner option!

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice?

To make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice, gather the following ingredients: chicken breast or thighs, peri-peri sauce, heavy cream, garlic, onion, bell peppers, and rice. You will also need vegetable or olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Fresh herbs like parsley can add a nice touch. These ingredients blend well to create a flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice?

Preparing Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice typically takes about 30 minutes. This includes time for marinating the chicken in peri-peri sauce and cooking the rice. The actual cooking process is quick, as you sauté the chicken and vegetables before adding the cream. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce mixture as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Cooking rice fresh before serving will ensure it remains fluffy and delicious.

Is Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice suitable for meal prep?

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can portion out servings into individual containers after cooking and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to keep the rice separate from the sauce if you’re freezing it together; this helps maintain texture. Reheating is easy and ensures you have a comforting weeknight dinner ready to go when you need it.

Conclusion for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner

In summary, Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken in a rich sauce with fluffy rice. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, you’ll enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Don’t forget to try this recipe next time you crave something flavorful yet satisfying!

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