The sizzle of chicken searing in a skillet combined with the vibrant aroma of bell peppers wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the dinner table. Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that takes just under an hour to prepare and cook. The richness of the cream perfectly balances the spicy kick of the peri peri sauce, creating a comforting yet exciting meal that’s sure to please.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to impress with minimal fuss. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The chicken cooks to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch.
- Cream creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Quick preparation time makes it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides for a complete meal.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious, creamy chicken dish.
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp peri peri sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Use low-fat cream for a lighter option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs.
- Heavy cream can be replaced with coconut cream.
- Peri peri sauce can be homemade or store-bought.
- Any bell peppers can be used based on availability.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to achieve a mouthwatering dish.
Marinate
- Marinate the chicken breasts. In a bowl, coat the chicken breasts with peri peri sauce and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
Heat
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
Cook Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté
- Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add sliced red and green bell peppers and onions; cook until softened.
Combine
- Pour in the heavy cream. Stir the cream into the vegetables and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Return Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Season and Serve
- Season and garnish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving with your favorite sides.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, cream-based sauces do not freeze well.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Allow chicken to marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the peri peri sauce to control spiciness.
- Ensure the cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice or pasta for a filling meal.
- Pair with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
