Let’s be honest—between meetings, school pickups, and figuring out if that laundry pile is clean or dirty (again), getting a flavorful, satisfying dinner on the table can feel like a part-time job. Enter: Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice. It’s got bold flavor, comforting creamy sauce, and a sidekick of garlicky rice that tastes like it came from a cozy corner bistro—all ready in under an hour.
This dish isn’t just delicious, it’s doable. With everyday ingredients and no-fuss steps, it’s perfect for weeknight warriors and weekend treat-yourself moments alike.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice
This isn’t your average “chicken and rice” dinner. It’s got layers—literally. The creamy peri peri sauce brings a spicy, tangy kick mellowed out by a swirl of heavy cream, while the garlic rice balances the heat with buttery, savory goodness.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal rotation or impress your partner without breaking a sweat, this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice has your back. It’s comfort food with a confident twist—easy enough for a Tuesday, impressive enough for Saturday date night.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2–3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (mild or hot—your call!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chili flakes
For the Garlic Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step: to master Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice
1. Marinate That Chicken
In a bowl, stir together the peri-peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss your chicken in this bold mixture until well coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge if you’re planning ahead like a pro).
2. Start the Garlic Rice
While your chicken is soaking up flavor, start on the rice. Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute—just until it’s golden and fragrant (aka your kitchen starts to smell like heaven). Stir in the rice and let it toast for another 1–2 minutes.
Add chicken broth (or water with a pinch of salt), bring it to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, until it’s cooked through and beautifully golden. Remove the chicken and set aside—don’t worry, it’s not the last you’ll see of it.
4. Make the Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
In the same pan (don’t wash away that flavor!), pour in any leftover peri peri marinade and let it sizzle for a minute or two. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly—just enough to coat a spoon. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon that sauce over the top, and let it all simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
5. Plate and Serve
Fluff up that garlic rice and serve it hot with the creamy peri peri chicken on top. Spoon over extra sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, finish with a sprinkle of parsley or a few chili flakes for color and kick.

Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Spice Level Control: If you’re cooking for kiddos or spice-sensitive taste buds, start with a milder peri-peri sauce and add chili flakes on individual plates for the heat-lovers.
- Cream Substitutes: No heavy cream? A splash of half-and-half or even coconut milk can step in for a slightly different but still delicious twist.
- Rice Upgrade: Want to level up the rice even more? Add a pinch of turmeric or a handful of chopped fresh herbs after cooking for a vibrant touch.
A Little Story from My Stove
This dish became a family favorite the first time I tested it. My youngest called it “fancy spicy chicken,” and I’ve gotta admit, that name kinda stuck. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but doesn’t require a dozen ingredients or a full afternoon in the kitchen. I love that balance—and I think you will too.
FAQs About Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice
Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely! Both work beautifully—just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts may cook a bit faster.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before and cook the rice fresh while the sauce simmers. It’s a great prep-ahead option for busy weeknights.
What does peri peri chicken go with?
Peri peri chicken pairs perfectly with garlic rice, roasted veggies, a fresh green salad, or even naan bread if you’re soaking up extra sauce.
What is a peri peri chicken?
Peri peri chicken is a spicy, tangy dish made with peri peri sauce—a blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s bold, flavorful, and originally inspired by Portuguese and African cuisine.
Conclusion
This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice is more than just a recipe—it’s your new go-to when you want something easy, bold, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re spicing up your dinner routine or feeding a hungry crew, this dish delivers every single time.
So go ahead, grab that peri-peri sauce and let’s bring the magic to your table tonight.
More Chicken Magic You’ll Love
If this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice hit the spot, you’re in for a treat with these other flavor-packed favorites from the Chicken Magic kitchen:
- Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken: Craving something with a hint of sweet and a touch of heat? This one’s pure comfort food with a bold, smoky twist.
- Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup: Light, zesty, and full of cozy vibes—perfect for chilly nights or a refreshing change of pace.
- Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta: Crave-worthy and indulgent, this spicy, cheesy pasta dish is a total crowd-pleaser.
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A colorful, zippy meal that feels like a backyard fiesta in every bite.
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: Like a warm hug in a bowl—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Happy exploring—and as always, keep that skillet sizzling!
Print
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice is a bold, flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken in a spicy, creamy peri-peri sauce, served over fluffy garlic rice. It’s easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2–3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (mild or hot)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or chili flakes for garnish
For the Garlic Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth or water
Salt to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix peri-peri sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).Cook the Garlic Rice:
Melt butter in a medium pot. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in broth and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until fluffy.Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, simmer leftover marinade for 1–2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened slightly. Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce. Cook 2–3 more minutes.Plate and Serve:
Serve creamy peri-peri chicken over garlic rice. Spoon extra sauce on top and garnish with parsley or chili flakes.
Notes
You can use chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference.
For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.
Adjust the level of peri-peri sauce to control the heat.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, African-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg