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Print / PDFPeri Peri Chicken
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- Prep Time
- 2 hrs
- Cook Time
- 16 mins
- resting
- 5 mins
- Total Time
- 2 hrs 21 mins
Ingredients
- 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 whole lemon (juiced for zest)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (for seasoning)
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Oven — Preheat to 200°C/400°F
- 1 Mixing bowl — For preparing the marinade
- 1 Meat Thermometer — To check chicken doneness
Method
- 1
In a bowl, combine peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- 2
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- 3
Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C/400°F, getting it nice and hot for that perfect char.
- 4
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
- 5
Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- 6
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 |
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!
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.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
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!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
Is Peri Peri Chicken African or Portuguese?
Is Peri Peri Chicken very spicy?
Is peri peri very spicy?
Is Peri Peri Chicken the same as Portuguese chicken?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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