Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Casserole with Garlic Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this dish because it checks all the boxes: it’s spicy, creamy, easy, and deeply comforting. The peri-peri sauce adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the dish, and the cream mellows everything into a dreamy, velvety sauce. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup. Whether I’m serving guests or just treating myself to a warm meal, this recipe always delivers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Season the Chicken
I rub the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This spice mix not only adds flavor but helps create a beautiful crust when seared.

2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, I sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, I sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes, making sure they soak up all those delicious chicken drippings.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
I pour in the chicken stock, scraping the pan to loosen up any flavorful bits. Then I stir in the heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice. I let it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Simmer the Chicken
I return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. I reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.

6. Serve with Garlic Rice
I serve this over warm white rice (with garlic added if I want extra flavor), spooning the creamy sauce and chicken over the top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley finishes it off beautifully.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Variations

• I like to use chicken thighs when I want a richer, juicier bite.

• For extra garlic flavor, I stir minced garlic into the rice while it cooks.

• Sometimes I add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.

• I swap in coconut cream for a dairy-free twist with a tropical feel.

• If I’m craving extra heat, I double the peri-peri sauce or add crushed chili flakes.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of stock or cream to the skillet or microwave-safe bowl and warm gently until heated through. This keeps the sauce from thickening too much. The rice reheats well alongside the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought peri-peri sauce?

Yes, I do all the time. My go-to is a medium-heat version for balance, but I’ve used extra hot when I want that fiery kick.

What kind of cream works best for the sauce?

I stick with heavy cream because it makes the sauce velvety and rich without curdling. Light cream works too, but the texture won’t be quite as silky.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make the full casserole, then reheat it gently just before serving. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be tender and no longer pink in the center.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze it in portions. When I reheat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or stock.

Conclusion

Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Casserole with Garlic Rice is one of those dishes I crave when I need a meal that’s bold, warming, and comforting all at once. The creamy heat, tender chicken, and aromatic rice make for a dish that feels both indulgent and down-to-earth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress anyone at the table.