Peri Peri Chicken Recipe | Spicy Grilled Chicken at Home

• Unlike typical spicy chicken recipes that rely solely on heat, the Peri Peri chicken recipe adds layers of flavor. It’s not just spicy — it’s tangy from lemon, smoky from paprika, garlicky, and herby all at once.
• The real magic comes from the marinade — a blend of chili peppers, citrus juice, herbs, and oil — that seeps into the chicken, transforming it into a juicy, fiery masterpiece. Whether grilled, baked, or air-fried, Peri Peri chicken offers a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Authentic Peri Peri Chicken

To make this dish at home, you’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for about 4 servings:

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), spatchcocked or cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peri Peri Marinade:

• 6–8 African bird’s eye chilies (or substitute with red Thai chilies for similar heat)
• 1 large red bell pepper (for sweetness and body)6 cloves of garlic
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional, for balance)

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

• Add the chilies, bell pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
• Pour in olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar (if using).Blend until smooth. The result should be a thick, bright red sauce — bold and aromatic.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: add more lemon juice for acidity or more chilies for heat.
• Tip: You can make a double batch and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s fantastic as a dip, basting sauce, or even a spread on sandwiches.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Make small slits in the meat to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
• Rub the chicken generously with the Peri Peri marinade — inside and out.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. Overnight marination ensures that every bite is infused with the Peri Peri essence.

Step 3: Cooking Methods

You can prepare Peri Peri chicken in several ways, depending on your equipment and taste preferences. Here are three delicious options:

Option 1: Grilling (Traditional and Best Method)

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).Brush the grates lightly with oil.
• Place the chicken, skin-side down, on the grill and grill for 5–7 minutes, until you get beautiful char marks.
• Flip and continue cooking for 20–25 minutes, basting with leftover marinade as it cooks.
• Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Grilling adds that signature smoky flavor and crisp skin that makes Peri Peri chicken irresistible.

Option 2: Oven-Baked

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).Place marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil.
• Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Broil for the last 3–5 minutes to get that charred finish.

Option 3: Air Fryer

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer.
• Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Brush with more marinade for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.

Serve your Peri Peri Chicken with any of these sides for a complete meal:

• Portuguese rice (lightly spiced with turmeric and garlic)
• Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and lime
• Crispy fries or potato wedges
• Fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese
• Garlic bread or naan for mopping up extra sauce
• For extra flair, drizzle a bit of leftover Peri Peri sauce over the chicken right before serving.

1. Adjust the Heat: African bird’s eye chilies are very spicy. If you prefer milder heat, replace half with red bell peppers or use fewer chilies.
2. Smoked Paprika Is Key: It gives the chicken that earthy, smoky undertone that defines authentic Peri Peri flavor.
3. Marinate Overnight: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and juicy it becomes.
4. Don’t Skip the Lemon: Citrus balances out the spice and gives the dish its signature tang.
5. Save Some Sauce: Always reserve a portion of the marinade (before touching raw chicken) for basting or serving on the side.

A Little Twist: Variations You Can Try

1. Peri Peri Chicken Wings

   Perfect for game day! Marinate chicken wings overnight, then grill or air-fry until crispy. Toss in extra peri-peri sauce before serving.

2. Peri Peri Chicken Skewers

   Thread marinated chicken chunks onto skewers with onions and bell peppers. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.

3. Peri Peri Chicken Burger

   Grill boneless chicken thighs coated in Peri-Peri sauce, then sandwich them in brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

4. Peri Peri Chicken Rice Bowl

   Serve shredded grilled chicken over garlic rice with roasted veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce.

The Cultural Connection

• Peri Peri Chicken isn’t just a recipe — it’s a culinary bridge between continents. It reflects Portuguese exploration, African ingredients, and the fusion of cultures through food. From Mozambique and Angola to Portugal and beyond, every version tells a story of adaptation and passion.
• In South Africa, it’s a staple of backyard barbecues — or braais — where friends gather around open flames, laughing and enjoying the fiery flavors together. Meanwhile, in Portugal, it’s often served in rustic eateries, with a cold drink and a side of crispy potatoes.
• This global love affair with peri-peri chicken proves that great food knows no borders.

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