Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

When you’re craving bold, spicy, and downright irresistible chicken, Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks are the way to go! These drumsticks are marinated in a fiery blend of peri peri sauce, garlic, lemon, and spices, then roasted to crispy, golden perfection. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with just the right amount of heat that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

If you’ve never tried peri peri before, get ready for a flavor explosion. It’s tangy, it’s spicy, and it’s oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, cooking for your family, or just treating yourself to something delicious, these drumsticks are the perfect choice for when you want to impress and indulge. Trust me, you’ll be hooked on this zesty, fiery chicken.

Why You’ll Love Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Bold & Flavorful: The peri peri sauce is a spicy, tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. The combination of heat, garlic, lemon, and spices will have your taste buds dancing.
• Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: Roasting the chicken ensures a crispy, golden skin with tender, juicy meat inside. It’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
• Easy to Make: The marinade is super simple to throw together, and once the chicken is marinated, cooking is mostly hands-off. You get restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle.
• Customizable Spice Level: Want it extra spicy? Add more chili to the marinade. Prefer something milder? Tone down the heat and enjoy the rich, flavorful sauce with less kick.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, weekend BBQ, or a casual weeknight meal, these peri peri drumsticks are sure to be a hit. They’re great with sides, and they’re even good cold the next day for lunch!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering peri peri chicken drumsticks:

• Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the show! Choose skin-on, bone-in drumsticks for the best flavor and crispy skin. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
• Peri Peri Sauce: The base of the marinade! You can use store-bought peri peri sauce or make your own with ingredients like red chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and spices. You can find this sauce in most grocery stores, but making your own allows you to adjust the spice level.
• Garlic & Lemon: Fresh garlic and lemon juice give the chicken a zesty, aromatic kick. The lemon helps to balance the heat with its tangy freshness.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the marinade and enhances the color of the chicken as it roasts.
• Olive Oil: To help the marinade stick to the chicken and keep the skin crispy as it bakes.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your taste buds sing with these Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks? Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re making your own peri peri sauce, blend together red chili peppers (fresh or dried), garlic, lemon zest, vinegar, and a pinch of spices like smoked paprika, oregano, and salt. Taste and adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more chili or a touch of honey for sweetness.

Step 2: Marinate the Drumsticks

Pat your chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely when cooking. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, then pour the peri peri marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly, making sure every drumstick is covered. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally, let it marinate for 2-3 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want the oven nice and hot to get that perfect crispy skin on the drumsticks.

Step 4: Roast the Drumsticks

Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Make sure they’re spaced out so they cook evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through. The drumsticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). If you want extra crispy skin, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once the drumsticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy the bold, spicy goodness.

How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips. Here are a few ideas to make the meal even more amazing:

• Tzatziki Sauce: A cool, creamy tzatziki sauce with yogurt, cucumber, and dill is a perfect balance to the spicy peri peri chicken.
• Rice or Couscous: Fluffy rice or couscous makes a great base to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can even serve the drumsticks over a bed of pilaf or fried rice for a more filling meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Throw some veggies on the grill—like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn—to complement the spicy chicken. The smoky flavor of grilled veggies pairs beautifully with the heat of the peri peri sauce.
• Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese helps cut through the richness of the chicken and adds a nice crunch.
• Sweet Potato Fries or Fries: Serve the drumsticks with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries to soak up the sauce and add a bit of sweetness to balance the heat.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili in the peri peri sauce, or even swap it out for a milder hot sauce. On the flip side, if you love extra heat, add some chili flakes or extra peri peri sauce to the marinade.
• Grilling Option: You can also grill the drumsticks for that smoky, charred flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and crispy.
• Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is pop it in the oven or on the grill when you’re ready to cook. Leftovers make for great salads or wraps the next day!
• For Extra Crispiness: If you want extra crispy skin, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels before marinating, and make sure your oven is preheated and the drumsticks aren’t overcrowded on the baking sheet.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks?
A1: Yes, you can! If using chicken breasts, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time (about 20-25 minutes), and for thighs, they’ll take about the same time as drumsticks. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q2: How can I store leftover peri peri chicken drumsticks?
A2: Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but for the crispiest results, reheat in a hot oven (around 350°F) for 10-12 minutes.

Q3: Can I freeze the drumsticks?
A3: Yes! After marinating, you can freeze the drumsticks for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Q4: Can I use a different type of hot sauce for the marinade?
A4: Absolutely! If you can’t find peri peri sauce, any other type of hot sauce or spicy marinade will work. You can use sriracha, harissa, or a homemade chili sauce as a substitute.

Q5: Can I make my own peri peri sauce?
A5: Definitely! Combine red chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, and a bit of vinegar. Adjust the heat with more chili if you like it spicy, and balance it with a bit of honey or sugar if you prefer it sweeter.

Conclusion

These Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks are everything you want in a grilled chicken—juicy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of spice. The marinade is packed with bold flavors, and when roasted, the drumsticks turn golden, crispy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Pair with your favorite sides, and enjoy a flavorful, finger-licking good meal!

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