The best Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice

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.

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.

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice garnished with fresh parsley

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:

Happy exploring—and as always, keep that skillet sizzling!

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Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice with rich sauce and fresh herbs

Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Delight with Garlic Rice


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  • Author: Aneta
  • 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

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

  • 23 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

  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

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