Creamy piri piri chicken is one of those simple-but-delicious meals that checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, but tastes like you spent way more time on it. Serve over pasta or buttery mashed potatoes with a side of veggies, and just like that – dinner’s done.
Why you’ll love piri piri chicken
This creamy piri piri chicken is one of dish that works for everything, from casual family dinners to grown-up date nights. The spicy chicken thighs get the royal treatment with a rich mix of cream, sweet bell pepper, and Parmesan… it’s comfort food with a kick.
It’s super versatile too, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, pair it with veggies and mashed potatoes, or toss it with penne for a cozy pasta moment. You’re the boss!
Let me walk you through it in my easy step-by-step video, or cook along with me on YouTube!
What is piri piri seasoning?
Piri piri seasoning (also spelled peri peri or pili pili) is a bold, spicy blend rooted in African and Portuguese cooking. The star of the show? The piri piri chili – a small but mighty pepper that brings serious heat.
The seasoning usually includes a mix of dried piri piri, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, lemon zest, salt and black pepper. Some variations may include additional spices like cumin or coriander. It adds a bold, earthy and spicy kick.
Creamy piri piri chicken ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to, but fillets, tenders, or turkey fillets work just as well.
- Piri piri seasoning: You’ll usually find it in the spice aisle at most supermarkets. It provides the heat and the flavor punch.
- Bell pepper: Red, yellow or green – it’s your call. Go with what you’ve got or mix them up.
- Oil & butter: A combo that helps sear the chicken beautifully and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Garlic & shallot: The flavor backbone. Don’t skip these, they bring the magic.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth, color and a little umami oomph.
- Half-and-half: You know I had to bring in some cream. Half-and-half keeps it rich without going overboard.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated is best – salty, nutty and melts like a dream into the sauce.
- Parsley: A bright pop of freshness.
Serving tips
- Serve this creamy piri piri chicken with mashed potatoes, pasta, pearl couscous, rice, quinoa, or some crusty bread to soak up all that saucy goodness.
- Pair it with a leafy side salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.
- Incredibly adaptable! The sauce is a flavor-packed blanket that can handle all kinds of veggies – think roasted jarred peppers, asparagus, broccoli or spinach.
Storing tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, warm gently in a nonstick pan over medium heat until heated through.
- For easy meal prep, portion leftovers into single servings – perfect for quick lunches. You can freeze them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Love spicy food? Try these next:
Creamy Piri Piri Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 boneless/skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp piri piri seasoning - less or more to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 red bell pepper - diced
- 4 garlic cloves - minced
- 1 shallot - diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley - more for serving
Instructions
- Get your prep done before you start cooking: Season the chicken thighs with piri piri seasoning, if you're using less seasoning, you might need to add a pinch of salt.
- Dice the bell pepper, mince the garlic cloves, dice the shallot and chop the parsley.
- Heat oil and butter over medium high, add chicken thighs and sear for 8 minutes. Turn and sear for 5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from skillet onto a clean plate.
- Add bell pepper, sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic and shallot, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and tomato paste.
- Pour in half-and-half, simmer for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low, stir in parsley and Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt. If you like it spicy, add ½ teaspoon piri piri seasoning.
- Add chicken back to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes. Top with parsley, enjoy!
Video
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