Creamy peri peri chicken has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. I remember the first time I tried it – the perfect balance of spicy, tangy peri-peri sauce with a luxurious, velvety cream sauce coating tender chicken. It was a revelation! This dish offers a delightful Peri Peri chicken with a creamy twist that’s both comforting and exciting. If you’ve ever wondered what is creamy peri peri chicken, it’s essentially this magical combination that transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s a perfect balance of spicy and creamy that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Incredible Flavor: The fiery kick of peri-peri sauce perfectly complements the rich, luscious cream, creating a taste sensation you won’t forget.
- Super Quick: You can whip up this easy creamy peri peri chicken in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy-ish: Using lean chicken breasts and controlling the sauce ingredients makes this a relatively healthier indulgence.
- Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples or inexpensive, making this a fantastic meal that won’t break the bank.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will love the tender chicken and mild creaminess, especially when you adjust the spice level.
- Effortless Prep: This recipe is designed for simplicity, proving that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated.
- Versatile: It’s a truly quick creamy peri peri chicken that works for a casual dinner or a more elegant gathering.
- Impressive Results: It looks and tastes gourmet, but you’ll know how simple it was to make!
Ingredients for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to crafting a truly delicious creamy peri peri chicken breast dish. This recipe focuses on bringing out the best flavors with minimal fuss.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – these cook quickly and absorb marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Peri-Peri sauce (adjust to taste) – this is the heart of the flavor, so pick your favorite brand or make your own!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken to a perfect golden-brown.
- 1 cup heavy cream – the magic ingredient for our luscious sauce, making it a true Peri peri chicken cream sauce recipe.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a foundational savory note.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – for a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – gives a hint of smokiness and color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
Let’s dive into making this incredibly satisfying dish. This guide will walk you through creating the best creamy peri peri chicken breast you’ve ever tasted, ensuring tender chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons Peri-Peri sauce. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. - Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust. This searing step locks in the juices and adds incredible depth of flavor, crucial for a truly spicy creamy peri peri chicken. - Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken is beautifully seared and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – that’s pure flavor! - Step 4: Simmer and Season
Add 1 teaspoon paprika to the cream sauce. Stir well to combine everything. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to thicken and become wonderfully velvety. This is where the magic happens in how to make creamy peri peri chicken truly shine. - Step 5: Combine and Finish
Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust if needed – you might want a touch more Peri-Peri sauce for extra heat, or more salt to enhance the flavors. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another minute or two, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the delicious sauce. - Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken immediately, spooning extra creamy Peri-Peri sauce over each piece. Enjoy this delightful meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
Want to elevate your creamy peri peri chicken breast game? Follow these simple tips for guaranteed deliciousness every time!
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even a short 10-minute marinade infuses the chicken with flavor, making it more tender and juicy.
- Sear, don’t steam: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect golden-brown crust. This adds so much flavor!
- Taste and adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. You might need a little more salt, pepper, or even Peri-Peri sauce to get it just right.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end really brightens up the dish.
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Peri Peri Chicken?
The key is balancing the heat of the Peri-Peri sauce with the richness of the cream. Achieving that perfect authentic creamy peri peri chicken flavor comes from a good sear on the chicken and letting the sauce simmer just long enough to thicken beautifully. For more information on achieving perfect sauce consistency, you can explore how to make a pan sauce.
Can I make Creamy Peri Peri Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and gently reheated in the sauce. This is similar to how you might prepare components for Greek chicken bowls.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Peri Peri Chicken?
A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing, as this will steam the chicken instead of browning it. Getting the right chicken peri peri creamy style texture means proper searing and not boiling the sauce vigorously. For tips on searing meat, check out guides on the science of searing meat.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
This decadent creamy peri peri chicken breast is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic dinner, I love serving it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce. If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider serving it alongside some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal. For a truly satisfying experience, this chicken is also divine tossed with pasta! You can create a fantastic creamy peri peri chicken pasta dish by simply adding the cooked chicken and sauce to your favorite cooked pasta, maybe with some added spinach or cherry tomatoes. This is a great alternative to shrimp alfredo.
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
This delicious creamy peri peri chicken is packed with flavor! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving. Remember, these numbers can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use for your peri peri chicken with cream sauce.
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 34g
- Protein: 39g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
Leftovers of this delightful creamy peri peri chicken are a real treat, and storing them properly ensures you can enjoy them later. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from transferring. You can store this delicious peri peri chicken in creamy sauce in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat your homemade creamy peri peri chicken, there are a couple of easy methods. For refrigerated portions, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quick option, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, use the skillet method to warm it up, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick. This method is similar to how you might reheat baked lemon rosemary chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Peri Peri Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this creamy peri peri chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Using creamy peri peri chicken thighs can even make the dish more tender and flavorful, as thighs are naturally more moist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts. You’ll still achieve that amazing peri peri chicken with a creamy twist.
What makes this creamy peri peri chicken breast recipe so special?
The magic lies in the balance between the spicy peri-peri sauce and the rich, velvety cream sauce. We achieve a wonderful chicken peri peri creamy style by searing the chicken perfectly first, then creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that truly satisfies. For other chicken dishes with a creamy sauce, check out hidden valley ranch chicken.
How spicy is this creamy peri peri chicken?
The spice level is adjustable! The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Peri-Peri sauce, which provides a nice warmth. If you prefer it milder, start with less sauce and add more to taste. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicier Peri-Peri sauce. It’s all about creating your perfect spicy creamy peri peri chicken.
Can I make a dairy-free version of this creamy peri peri chicken?
Yes, you can! For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a good quality unsweetened cashew cream. While it will alter the flavor profile slightly, it still results in a wonderfully creamy and delicious dish. This is a great way to enjoy a simple creamy peri peri chicken if you have dietary restrictions.
Variations of Creamy Peri Peri Chicken You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many fun ways to customize your creamy peri peri chicken! Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting and cater to different tastes and needs.
- Spicy Kick-Up: For an extra fiery experience, add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper (like a red serrano or bird’s eye chili) to the marinade. You can also use a spicier Peri-Peri sauce. This makes for a truly homemade creamy peri peri chicken with serious heat!
- Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta: Toss this chicken and sauce with your favorite cooked pasta. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work wonderfully. Add some steamed broccoli or spinach for a complete meal. This is a delicious alternative to cowboy butter chicken linguine.
- Sheet Pan Wonder: Skip the skillet! Toss cubed chicken and your favorite vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini) with the marinade and Peri-Peri sauce. Roast on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through, then stir in the cream and paprika at the end. This is a wonderfully simple creamy peri peri chicken for less cleanup.
- Lighter Version: For a slightly lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. It will still be creamy, just a touch less rich.
Amazing Creamy Peri Peri Chicken in 30 Min
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Creamy Peri Peri Chicken offers a delightful fusion of spicy Peri-Peri sauce and rich cream. It produces tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a velvety sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Peri-Peri sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with Peri-Peri sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream for desired creaminess.
- Control spice levels by adjusting the Peri-Peri sauce.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be used in pasta, salads, or tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: N/A