peri peri chicken beckons you into a sunlit kitchen where the air hums with the promise of smoky, citrusy spice. Imagine juicy chicken thighs bathed in a vibrant blend of fiery chilies, tangy lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and a whisper of honey. This easy recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a flavor fiesta that dances on your taste buds. Roast until golden, then finish under the broiler for that irresistible char. Serve with crisp salads or warm flatbreads, and watch friends and family gather around, eyes wide and spoons ready. Let this playful, flavorful adventure turn dinner into a celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This peri peri chicken
- It’s bursting with flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for grilling or baking, making it versatile.
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week!
peri peri chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C/400°F, getting it nice and hot for that perfect char.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
- Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your peri peri chicken hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 5g |
Ingredients
Get ready to spice up your meal with this delicious peri peri chicken!
- 1 kg chicken pieces – your choice of parts
- 3 tbsp peri peri sauce – adjust for spice level
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for moistness
- 4 cloves garlic – minced for flavor
- 1 lemon – juiced for zest
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – for a smoky flavor
- 1 tsp salt – to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper – for seasoning
How to Make Amazing Peri Peri Chicken at Home
Get ready to spice up your dinner with this delicious peri peri chicken! With a preparation time of 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor), cooking time of 12-16 minutes, and a resting time of 5 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, combine peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C/400°F, getting it nice and hot for that perfect char.
Step 4: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your peri peri chicken hot with your favorite sides!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | African |
| Prep Time | 120 minutes |
| Cook Time | 16 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 141 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with your favorite sides! |
Pro Tips for Making peri peri chicken
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili.
- Grill on high heat for a perfect char and juicy interior.
- Serve with a side of cooling yogurt sauce to balance the heat.
- Experiment with different herbs for a unique twist.
How to Serve this peri peri chicken
- Serve with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the spicy sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Enjoy with warm pita bread or naan for a delightful wrap.
- Top with avocado slices for a creamy contrast to the heat.
- Accompany with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Serve alongside a cooling yogurt dip to balance the spice.
- For a fun twist, make peri peri chicken tacos with crunchy slaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your peri peri chicken later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and type of dish.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Use a microwave for quick reheating, covered to retain moisture.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is Peri Peri Chicken African or Portuguese?
Peri Peri Chicken has its roots in both African and Portuguese cuisines. The dish originated in Africa, particularly in Mozambique, where the African bird’s eye chili is a key ingredient. Portuguese settlers then adopted and adapted the recipe, bringing it to their own culinary traditions, which is why it is often associated with Portuguese cuisine as well.
2. Is Peri Peri Chicken very spicy?
The spiciness of Peri Peri Chicken can vary depending on the amount and type of chili used in the marinade. Generally, it is known for its heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by using milder peppers or reducing the quantity of chili in the recipe. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without overwhelming heat.
3. Is peri peri very spicy?
Yes, peri peri can be quite spicy, especially if made with traditional African bird’s eye chilies. However, the spice level can be adjusted based on personal taste. If you prefer a milder version, consider using fewer chilies or opting for a milder variety. The key is to find the right balance that suits your palate while still enjoying the unique flavors of peri peri.
4. Is Peri Peri Chicken the same as Portuguese chicken?
While Peri Peri Chicken is often associated with Portuguese cuisine, it is not exactly the same as traditional Portuguese chicken dishes. Peri Peri Chicken specifically refers to the spicy chicken marinated in peri peri sauce, which is a blend of chili, garlic, and other spices. Portuguese chicken may include a variety of other flavors and cooking methods, but the peri peri style is a distinct and popular variation that highlights the heat and zest of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making peri peri chicken, it’s time to gather your loved ones and dig in! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor and warmth. Enjoy every bite, and remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding. Happy cooking!