Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken

There’s something magical about the fusion of heat and creaminess. Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken is the kind of dish that delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and just the right amount of fiery personality. It’s ideal for spice lovers seeking a little indulgence or for anyone wanting to shake up their usual chicken dinner routine with something a little more daring yet incredibly comforting.

Peri-peri (also known as piri-piri or pili-pili) has roots in Portuguese and African cuisine, traditionally made with African bird’s eye chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and oil. This creamy version blends the signature spice and tang of peri-peri sauce with a velvety, rich cream base. The result? A luscious, flavor-packed dish that’s just as good for cozy nights in as it is for impressing guests at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken

• Rich and Spicy: Perfect balance between creaminess and heat.

• Quick and Easy: On the table in under 40 minutes.

• One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, potatoes, or bread.

• Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Optional Toppings and Sides

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Sautéed greens or spinach

• Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or warm crusty bread

• Lemon wedges for squeezing

How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

• In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

• Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

2. Make the Peri-Peri Base

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

• Add a touch more oil or butter if needed.

• Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.

• Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

• Stir in the peri-peri sauce and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.

• Add chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, and smoked paprika.

• Let simmer for 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly.

4. Add Cream and Finish the Chicken

• Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream.

• Return the seared chicken to the pan, coating in the sauce.

• Simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce has thickened.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning—add more peri-peri for heat, lemon for acidity, or salt to enhance flavor.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

• Serve hot over rice, pasta, or potatoes with your choice of sides.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Chicken
Thighs stay moist and flavorful, but breasts work well too—just don’t overcook.

2. Use Quality Peri-Peri Sauce
Whether store-bought or homemade, a good peri-peri sauce makes a difference. Look for one with real chilies, garlic, and citrus.

3. Don’t Skip the Lemon
A touch of acidity brings balance to the rich cream and spicy sauce.

4. Let the Sauce Simmer
Allowing the sauce to gently bubble thickens it and intensifies the flavor.

5. Taste As You Go
Peri-peri sauces vary in heat. Start small, then build to your desired spice level.

What to Serve With Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides to soak up the delicious sauce:

Grain & Starch Options

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Buttery couscous or quinoa

• Pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted broccoli or cauliflower

• Sautéed spinach or kale

• Grilled zucchini or bell peppers

• A fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Bread Options

• Crusty sourdough or baguette

• Pita or naan bread

• Buttery dinner rolls

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make Ahead

• The chicken can be seasoned and even seared a day in advance.

• The sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated before adding the chicken.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.

• Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Fat: 30g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 580mg

Values may vary based on portion size, ingredients, and additions like rice or bread.

Customization and Variations

Make It Spicier

• Add fresh chopped chilies or chili flakes to the sauce.

• Use extra-hot peri-peri sauce or add cayenne pepper.

Make It Dairy-Free

• Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Add Vegetables

• Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms just before simmering the sauce.

• Add peas or corn for a pop of sweetness.

Use Different Proteins

• Try with shrimp, tofu, or pork tenderloin.

• Boneless, skinless chicken drumsticks or wings also work well.

Reader Reviews

“I made this for my husband who loves spice—he went back for thirds. The cream really balances the heat perfectly.”
— Naomi B.

“I used coconut milk instead of cream and served it over jasmine rice. The flavors were out of this world.”
— Jenna L.

“So easy and so flavorful! I added spinach at the end and it was a full meal in one pan.”
— Alex R.

More Spicy & Creamy Recipes to Love

If you enjoy Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken, you’ll also love:

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

• Thai Red Curry with Chicken and Vegetables

• Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Coconut Curry Chicken with Spinach

Each one brings bold flavors and satisfying richness to the table, with just the right touch of heat.

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