If you crave a dish bursting with smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Marinated in a vibrant mix of garlic, smoked paprika, and zesty peri peri sauce, each bite delivers a delightful kick that excites the palate while the tender, juicy chicken stays gloriously moist. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight meal or roasting for a weekend gathering, this recipe’s simple ingredients and bold flavors bring a joyous, homemade flair to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable dish. Each component not only adds flavor but builds layers of richness and depth, elevating the chicken beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Peri Peri Chicken Recipe shine:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts: Choose quality cuts for maximum juiciness and perfect crisp skin.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The base to carry all those spices and keep the chicken succulent.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent warmth and foundational depth to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Gives a bright, tangy zip that balances the heat.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Fresh citrusy notes that lift the marinade’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Infuses smoky sweetness that defines the character of the Peri Peri.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy undertones that round out the spice blend.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrus aroma with a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes: Adjustable kick to get your perfect level of heat.
- 1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce (or hot sauce): The star ingredient that brings authentic Peri Peri fire.
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those flavors.
- Additional olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper for the optional sauce: These ingredients create a luscious dipping sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by combining olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, peri-peri sauce, chopped red bell pepper, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend everything until it reaches a smooth, vibrant consistency that will coat the chicken deliciously. This marinade is the heart of the Peri Peri Chicken Recipe, packing in all the flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, thoroughly coat all the chicken pieces with your fresh marinade. Make sure every nook is covered to infuse the flavors deeply. Then, cover the chicken and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours, though for best results, allow it to soak overnight. This slow mingling not only tenderizes the meat but intensifies each spicy and tangy element of the marinade.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Once marinated, get your grill nice and hot and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side. Grilling imparts a beautiful char that contrasts perfectly with the juicy interior, while also crisping the skins to mouthwatering perfection. Keep an eye out for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe and delicious chicken.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
If you prefer oven-roasting, place your marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time to guarantee even browning. Roasting locks in the flavors and gives the chicken an irresistibly golden finish.
Step 5: Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional)
While your chicken cooks, whip up the optional peri peri sauce using olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri peri sauce, smoked paprika, honey, and seasoning. Simmer this mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This sauce adds a beautifully balanced extra layer of heat and sweetness to serve alongside your chicken.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Fresh
At last, plate your perfectly cooked chicken and drizzle or serve the peri peri sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to bring a lovely burst of color and freshness. This is the moment to dig in and savor the bold, delicious results of your effort.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as flat-leaf parsley or cilantro brighten up the dish with bursts of green and a fresh flavor contrast that complements the spicy, smoky chicken beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side invites an optional zesty squeeze that instantly lifts each bite. These little touches make your Peri Peri Chicken Recipe look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This fiery chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that allow its flavors to shine. Try fluffy basmati rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp salad or grilled vegetables add great texture and balance. Deliciously warm garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser to mop up every last drop of that peri peri goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the plate? Slice your grilled or roasted chicken and pile it onto toasted pita bread or inside soft flatbreads for a Peri Peri chicken wrap that’s packed with flavor. Serve it over a bed of spicy couscous or even scattered atop greens for a vibrant, satisfying salad. The versatility of this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe makes it easy to tailor your presentation to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peri peri chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken separate from any fresh garnishes or sides to preserve their texture and freshness. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently to maintain its juiciness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing preserves the vibrant flavors, ensuring your Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is always ready for an easy, delicious meal.
Reheating
Reheat your peri peri chicken either in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the skin crisp and prevent the chicken from drying out. Drizzle on some additional peri peri sauce after reheating for that freshly made taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier due to their fat content, breasts work well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts cook faster and can dry out if overdone.
How spicy is this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe?
The heat level depends on your choice of chili flakes and peri peri sauce. You can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes or substitute with a milder hot sauce to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. This makes it quick to marinate the chicken when you’re ready to cook, and the flavors often deepen even more with time.
Is grilling necessary or can I only roast?
Grilling imparts that signature smoky char, but roasting alone is perfectly fine and can create a beautifully crispy, flavorful chicken if you don’t have access to a grill.
What sides pair best with Peri Peri Chicken?
Simple, fresh sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad provide balance, letting the bold Peri Peri flavors take center stage. For indulgence, creamy mashed potatoes or warm garlic bread are fantastic companions.
Final Thoughts
This Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy all rolled into one irresistible dish. It’s easy to prepare but impressively bold, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or friends. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why this vibrant dish holds a special place in so many hearts and kitchens.
Print
Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Roasting
- Cuisine: Portuguese/African-inspired
Description
This Peri Peri Chicken recipe features tender and flavorful bone-in chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, garlic, and peri-peri sauce, then grilled and oven-roasted to crispy perfection. Served with a zesty homemade peri-peri dipping sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and tang, ideal for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Peri Peri Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon peri-peri sauce or hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 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, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili flakes, peri-peri sauce, chopped red bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the prepared marinade. Cover the coated chicken and refrigerate it for at least 1 to 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
- Roast the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a baking sheet and roast it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through roasting for even cooking and a beautiful golden color.
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional): While the chicken roasts, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika, and honey in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden, serve it hot with the optional peri-peri sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor but marinating for at least 1 hour works well too.
- Adjust chili flakes and peri-peri sauce quantity based on your heat preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs remain juicier.
- The optional peri-peri sauce can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish or can be used as a spicy dip.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a fresh aroma and color contrast when serving.
