Discover the Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure with our delectable Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice! This dish is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and the bold, spicy notes of peri-peri – a captivating Portuguese-African flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken is sure to deliver.

Peri-peri, also known as piri-piri, is a spicy chili pepper sauce that originated in Portugal and is now popular across the globe. It’s made from African bird’s eye chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and various spices, resulting in a complex, smoky, and slightly citrusy flavor. When combined with a rich, creamy sauce, the peri-peri creates a truly irresistible dish that will have you coming back for more.

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Ingredients for Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice

To bring this delightful Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to get started:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Remember, the key to creating an exceptional Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different peri-peri sauce brands to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.

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

Now that we’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing this mouthwatering Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into the chicken to ensure an even coating.

Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; we’ll finish it in the sauce later.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Make the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy peri-peri sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).</

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the delectable creamy peri-peri sauce over the chicken and serve it alongside the cooked white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and vibrant color. Savor every bite of this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice – it’s a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

Nutritional Information

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a well-balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, 40 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. The chicken provides lean protein, while the cream and peri-peri sauce contribute to the dish’s creaminess and flavor. For a healthier twist, you can use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives, such as Greek yogurt or coconut milk, in the sauce. Additionally, you can opt for brown rice to boost the fiber content of the dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp
• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken in a slow cooker. To do this, season the chicken breasts as outlined in the recipe and sear them in a skillet for added flavor. Then, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, add the sautéed onions and garlic, along with the chicken stock, heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender. You may want to thicken the sauce at the end by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering it for a few minutes if desired. Serve with rice as usual.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk or almond milk. If you want to maintain some creaminess without the calories, consider using Greek yogurt or sour cream. Just be cautious with heat when using yogurt or sour cream to prevent curdling; you can temper them by mixing them with some of the warm sauce before adding them to the skillet.

How spicy is Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken, and can I adjust the heat?

The spiciness of Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken largely depends on the type and amount of peri-peri sauce you use, as these sauces can vary in heat. If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of peri-peri sauce and gradually increase it to your taste. Alternatively, you can use a milder peri-peri sauce or combine it with a bit of cream or yogurt to tone down the heat. Conversely, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more peri-peri sauce or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe, but it’s essential to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. If you must cook from frozen, you will need to adjust the cooking time, and it may take longer for the chicken to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant flavors of Portugal and Africa. With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and the bold, smoky notes of peri-peri, this recipe is a true delight. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to savor the flavors of this remarkable dish. Bon appétit!

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