If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with flavor, creaminess, and just the right touch of heat, look no further than this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, spicy sauce that balances the smoky punch of peri peri with a smooth, velvety creaminess. Every bite promises a delightful dance of texture and taste that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe shine. Each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, or color that comes together to create something truly spectacular.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly tender and easy to cook, these are the heart of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps achieve a nice golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Delivers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic punch.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (adjust to taste): The fiery star ingredient that gives the dish its signature spicy kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the irresistible creamy texture that balances out the heat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every individual flavor in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of extra spice and depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A burst of fresh green color and a subtle herbal note to finish.
How to Make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step layers flavor right at the beginning and sets the foundation for a juicy and tasty chicken. Let them rest momentarily while you prepare your skillet.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Olive oil not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle richness that complements the chicken perfectly once seared.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture. Once cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy in every bite.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (so you keep all those lovely browned bits), add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. Then toss in the red bell pepper and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened. These vegetables build the flavorful base of your creamy peri peri sauce.
Step 5: Add the Spices and Peri Peri Sauce
Stir in the peri peri sauce and paprika, making sure the sautéed vegetables are fully coated. Let this cook for 1 to 2 minutes so that the spices bloom, releasing their smoky, spicy goodness. This step is crucial as it infuses the sauce with that signature peri peri flavor.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and gently stir to meld everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this is what transforms your spicy base into a rich, creamy sauce that wraps around each bite of chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy peri peri sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly and the sauce thickens slightly. This slow finish ensures tender chicken infused with all that spicy, creamy goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
To complete your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This simple garnish brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the creaminess and spice.
How to Serve Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to finish this dish, adding a splash of vibrant green and a mild herbal freshness. For an extra touch, consider adding thin slices of red chili or a light drizzle of extra peri peri sauce for those who love an extra kick.
Side Dishes
The creamy, spicy profile of this chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. For something lighter and fresher, a crisp salad or sautéed greens with a squeeze of lemon complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe over creamy polenta or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, textured plate. You can also slice the chicken and stack it on toasted ciabatta with some grilled peppers and a drizzle of sauce for a gourmet sandwich variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Peri Peri Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its signature flavor and creaminess.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Simply transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve the best texture, freeze before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help refresh the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can curdle the cream.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
How spicy is the Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe?
The heat level depends on how much peri peri sauce you use. Start with 2 tablespoons, and adjust according to your preference for milder or bolder spice.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, cooking them similarly to absorb all the delicious creamy peri peri sauce.
What type of peri peri sauce should I buy?
Look for a good quality peri peri sauce that matches your desired heat level and flavor profile. Homemade sauces also work wonderfully if you want to customize your spice blend.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative. It will slightly change the flavor but maintains the creamy texture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine with something creamy, rich, and delightfully flavorful, this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is your new secret weapon. It’s easy to prepare, packed with personality, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Give it a go and watch it become your go-to weeknight winner!
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Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese-inspired
Description
This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich and flavorful peri peri cream sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and red bell peppers. A perfect balance of spicy and creamy, this dish is both comforting and exciting, ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Set aside to allow the seasoning to develop.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then add the chopped red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the peri peri sauce and paprika to coat the vegetables thoroughly. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine all ingredients, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken the sauce.
- Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Once fully heated through, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for a delightful and creamy peri peri chicken dish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peri peri sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
