Introduction
If you love a dish that’s both creamy and spicy, this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Casserole with Garlic Rice is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the fiery and tangy flavors of peri peri sauce with the rich creaminess of a casserole, this dish is ideal for family dinners or when you have guests over. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make, ensuring that even novice cooks can master it with ease.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Casserole:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure both sides are well-coated to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and peri-peri sauce. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a low simmer. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Rice
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the creamy peri peri chicken over a bed of garlic rice. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of peri-peri sauce or opt for a milder version to change the spice level.
- Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers or spinach to the dish for extra nutrition.
- Alternate Protein: Substitute chicken with tofu or lamb for a different take.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving. You can use a meat thermometer to check; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the meal’s richness.
- A glass of chilled white wine complements it well.
Tips
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mix for a few hours before cooking.
- Use leftover rice to save on preparation time.
- Experiment with different peri-peri sauce brands for unique flavor profiles.
Timing Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 540mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What’s peri peri sauce?
Peri peri sauce is a spicy condiment made from African bird’s eye chili, vinegar, lemon, and various herbs and spices.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Print
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Casserole with Garlic Rice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
If you love a dish that’s both creamy and spicy, this Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Casserole with Garlic Rice is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the fiery and tangy flavors of peri peri sauce with the rich creaminess of a casserole, this dish is ideal for family dinners or when you have guests over. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make, ensuring that even novice cooks can master it with ease.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Casserole:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure both sides are well-coated to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and peri-peri sauce. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a low simmer. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Rice
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the creamy peri peri chicken over a bed of garlic rice. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving. You can use a meat thermometer to check; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes