Description
Peri Peri Chicken is a fiery, flavorful dish with tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty, spicy peri-peri sauce. Originating from Africa and popularized in Portugal, this dish packs a punch with its combination of heat and tanginess. Perfect for grilling or roasting, it’s sure to satisfy any spice lover.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Peri Peri Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken breasts (or a whole chicken, cut into parts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce (or substitute with hot sauce)
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (for extra flavor and sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Optional Peri Peri Sauce (for dipping):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon peri-peri sauce or hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon honey (for balance)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, peri-peri sauce, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to make the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade, making sure each piece is well-covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- For grilling: Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
- For roasting: Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional):
- While the chicken is cooking, combine the ingredients for the peri peri sauce in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, serve it hot with the optional peri-peri sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level of the marinade by adding more or less chili flakes or hot sauce.
- For a smokier flavor, you can use a charcoal grill or add a bit of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-40 minutes (depending on grilling or roasting method)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Roasting
- Cuisine: African, Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg