If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that bursts with a perfect balance of spice, tang, and smoky goodness, this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend BBQ, the marinade seeps deep into the juicy chicken, delivering layers of mouthwatering taste. From the bright notes of lemon and red wine vinegar to the fiery kick of chili flakes and peri-peri sauce, every bite sings with personality and zest. Trust me, once you dive into this recipe, it’s going straight into your regular cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but together they create the magic that defines a great Peri Peri Chicken Recipe. Each one plays its part, from tenderizing the chicken to layering on flavor and creating that irresistible crispy finish.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts: The perfect canvas for soaking up the rich marinade and staying juicy while cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps create a beautiful char when grilling or roasting.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the spices perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Brings tanginess that balances the marinade with a subtle sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Introduces freshness and brightness to lift the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and smoky undertones essential to peri peri’s signature taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy, nutty complexity to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, floral note that enhances the spice blend.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste): Cranks up the heat while allowing personal spicy preferences.
- 1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce or hot sauce: The heart of the dish, giving it that iconic fiery kick.
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the marinade.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Crucial to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sauce): Sweetness to balance spice in the sauce for those who prefer a milder edge.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by blending your olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, peri-peri sauce, chopped red bell pepper, salt, and pepper into a smooth, vibrant marinade. This blend is where the magic begins, marrying smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors all in one beautiful mixture that’ll infuse the chicken with irresistible character.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat each piece of chicken generously with your marinade. The key is to make sure every nook and cranny is covered because that’s where all that luscious flavor locks in. Cover the chicken and pop it into the fridge for at least 1-2 hours or, even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken becomes — patience really pays off here.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat up your grill to medium-high and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side. You want that skin to crisp up beautifully while ensuring the inside reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The grill adds a smoky char that accentuates the peri peri flavors perfectly and gives you that enticing charred exterior.
Step 4: Roast for Full Cooking
After grilling, transfer the chicken onto a baking sheet. Roast it in a preheated oven (around 375°F/190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. This step ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and turns golden brown, sealing in the juicy flavors beneath that crispy skin.
Step 5: Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional)
While your chicken roasts, why not whip up some extra peri peri sauce? Heat olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook just until warmed through—this sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling, adding an extra layer of spicy-sweet goodness to your plate.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, serve the chicken piping hot with the peri peri sauce on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and a fresh herbal contrast. It’s the perfect way to present this dish and showcase all the vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a lively green pop and a touch of brightness that balances the spicy richness of the chicken. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a zesty freshness on the spot, elevating each bite.
Side Dishes
Peri Peri Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple yet flavorful sides like garlic roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The crisp vegetables and subtle acidity contrast beautifully with the bold, spicy chicken for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken in warm pita bread with a dollop of creamy yogurt or a tangy coleslaw. Alternatively, carve the chicken and toss it into wraps or salads to turn this dish into an exciting lunchtime favorite. Presentation with vibrant sides and sauces makes it as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Peri Peri Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing it to maintain its texture and flavor. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
This Peri Peri Chicken Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in an oven or air fryer at a low temperature to revive the crispiness of the skin. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Pair with fresh sauce and garnishes to bring the meal back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too. Just be mindful of cooking time as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Keep an eye on internal temperature and consider marinating longer to retain juiciness.
How spicy is this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe?
The level of heat can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili flakes and peri-peri sauce used. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the chili and add a little more honey or lemon to balance the spice.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This also helps the flavors meld beautifully, making your chicken even more delicious when you’re ready to cook.
Is it possible to cook this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe indoors without a grill?
Definitely. Using an oven to roast the chicken as described in the recipe yields fantastic results with crispy skin and tender meat. You can also use a grill pan to mimic that grilled flavor on your stovetop.
What other proteins can I use with this Peri Peri marinade?
This marinade is fantastic with other meats like pork or shrimp, and even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. The bold spices and tangy flavors translate well across different proteins.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this amazing Peri Peri Chicken Recipe in your culinary arsenal, there’s no excuse not to dive into a plate of smoky, spicy, and utterly satisfying chicken anytime you want. It’s straightforward to make yet packed with complex flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab those ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and get ready to savor the vibrant taste of peri peri at home!
Print
Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese-African
Description
This Peri Peri Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and peri peri sauce, then grilled or oven-roasted to perfection. The dish is accompanied by a homemade peri peri dipping sauce, offering a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.
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 (for extra flavor and sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Peri Peri Sauce (Optional)
- 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, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili flakes, peri-peri sauce, chopped red bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 to 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Roast the Chicken: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through.
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional): While the chicken cooks, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri peri sauce, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it hot with the peri peri sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an added burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on preference.
- Adjust chili flakes and peri peri sauce amounts based on desired spice level.
- The peri peri sauce is optional but adds an extra kick if desired.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- To enhance smoky flavor, grilling is preferred if available.
