Name: Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Portuguese-African Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb / 500g skinless, boneless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (crushed); 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 onion (finely chopped); 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped); 4 garlic cloves (crushed); 1 tsp turmeric; 2 cups Jasmine rice; 4 cups chicken broth or water; 2 tsp salt; 2 cups frozen corn; ½ cup peri-peri sauce; ¾ cup heavy cream; lemon juice (to taste); salt (to taste)

Introduction

Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy, smoky blend are served over fragrant turmeric-infused Jasmine rice and topped with a rich peri-peri cream sauce. This recipe brings together bold flavors with a creamy finish that will delight your taste buds.

A round white bowl holds two main layers: on the left side, a generous serving of yellow rice mixed with small bits of corn and tiny pieces of orange and red vegetables, showing a fluffy texture; on the right side, three pieces of grilled chicken with charred marks, covered by a creamy, light brown sauce that slightly drapes over the edges of the meat, giving a rich and smooth look; the background shows a white marbled texture with a soft cloth partially visible on the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb / 500g skinless, boneless chicken thighs

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

3 garlic cloves (crushed)

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp oregano

2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 onion (finely chopped)

1 red bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

4 garlic cloves (crushed)

1 tsp turmeric

2 cups Jasmine rice

4 cups chicken broth or water

2 tsp salt

2 cups frozen corn

½ cup peri-peri sauce

¾ cup heavy cream

Lemon juice (to taste)

Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade. Add the chicken thighs, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight.

Step 2: In a medium pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion and diced red and yellow bell peppers until softened.

Step 3: Add crushed garlic and turmeric to the pan and cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.

Step 4: Stir in the Jasmine rice, then pour in the chicken broth or water. Season with salt and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Add the frozen corn, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and steam the rice for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it stand while cooking the chicken.

Step 6: In a small saucepan, combine peri-peri sauce, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes to create the sauce.

Step 7: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve the grilled chicken on a bed of the turmeric rice and spoon the creamy peri-peri sauce over the top. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For more heat, add extra peri-peri sauce or some chopped chili peppers to the marinade.

Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook.

Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the rice for a burst of freshness.

Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but since they cook faster and can dry out more easily, grill them carefully and watch the cooking time to keep them juicy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have peri-peri sauce?

If peri-peri sauce is unavailable, you can use a blend of hot sauce mixed with smoked paprika and lemon juice to mimic the spicy and smoky flavors.