If you are craving something rich, zesty, and incredibly comforting, this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is the ultimate delight to whip up. It combines tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, spicy peri peri cream sauce that perfectly balances heat with smoothness. The bold flavors from the peri peri sauce marry beautifully with the cream, while the sautéed bell peppers and onions add a fresh, vibrant texture. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight favorite or an impressively easy dish to serve guests, this recipe brings a wonderfully fiery yet creamy experience that just can’t be beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish truly special is how simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the luscious cream to the punchy peri peri sauce, making every bite warm and satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to perfectly brown the chicken and sauté veggies with a smooth finish.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the skillet.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the dish, enhancing every other flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Provides a crunchy, colorful lift and subtle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (adjust to taste): The star seasoning filling the dish with its characteristic spicy smokiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Turns the sauce velvety and rich, balancing the heat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds another layer of mild smokiness and color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle peppery zing to complement the spice.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, herbal finish that brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple prep step ensures the chicken is flavorful right from the start, which is essential because it forms the base of the dish. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil is perfect here because it cooks the chicken evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness. Getting the oil hot enough is key so your chicken develops a beautiful golden crust without sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown sear with juicy, fully cooked chicken inside. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This step locks in juiciness, making each bite tender and moist.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Use the same skillet to add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sautéing these aromatics for 2 to 3 minutes releases their natural sweetness and fragrance, creating a flavorful base. Then toss in the chopped red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just right, bringing a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Spices and Peri Peri Sauce
Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in the peri peri sauce along with paprika. The peri peri sauce gives the dish its signature fiery kick and smoky undertone, while the paprika adds complexity and a subtle earthiness. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes so the spices coat the vegetables perfectly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly to combine. Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer to let the sauce thicken slightly and develop that luxurious creaminess we all love. This step mellows out the spices just enough while enveloping the chicken in a rich, silky blanket of flavor.
Step 7: Return the Chicken to the Sauce
Carefully nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and let them simmer in the creamy peri peri sauce for another 5 to 10 minutes. This final simmer allows the chicken to soak up all those incredible flavors and ensures the sauce coats every tender morsel beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. This garnish adds a pleasant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the creamy, spicy richness of the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish here. Its bright green color contrasts wonderfully with the pale sauce and adds a burst of mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. You might also try a wedge of lemon on the side for a light citrusy zing if you want an extra layer of brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with sides that can balance its creamy heat. Fluffy basmati rice or buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. For something lighter and crisp, a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans adds refreshing texture and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual vibe, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic-infused couscous or alongside warm crusty bread to mop up every drop of the sauce. For a fancier presentation, plate the chicken whole on a large serving dish, spoon sauce generously over it, and scatter colorful microgreens or edible flowers as a final flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Peri Peri Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so give it a gentle stir or splash of cream when reheating to restore that silky texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to meal prep. Store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir frequently and add a little cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. This way, your Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe tastes just as decadent and fresh as when it was first cooked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and stay juicy, which works excellently with the creamy peri peri sauce. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
How spicy is the peri peri sauce in this recipe?
The spice level largely depends on the brand and amount of peri peri sauce used. This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons, which provides a nice kick without overpowering the cream. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly but it will remain rich and creamy.
What can I use if I can’t find peri peri sauce?
If peri peri sauce isn’t available, you can mix hot sauce with smoked paprika, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of olive oil to replicate similar flavors and heat. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious!
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop the vegetables and measure out spices ahead of time. The chicken can be seasoned and marinated up to a day before cooking to deepen the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is a fabulous way to bring bold, exciting flavors to your table without a complicated process. The luscious cream sauce with that fiery peri peri punch makes for an irresistible combination that’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love how easy it is to make such a vibrant, comforting meal that everyone will rave about!
Print
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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a spicy peri peri infused creamy sauce. This recipe combines a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and aromatic spices, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. Set aside to allow the seasoning to absorb.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken develops a golden brown crust and is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the peri peri sauce and paprika, mixing well to coat the vegetables thoroughly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly to combine with the spicy vegetable mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Simmer everything together for 5-10 minutes on low heat, ensuring the chicken absorbs the flavors and is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish. Serve this creamy peri peri chicken hot, ideally with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peri peri sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to achieve a good sear.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top before serving.
