There is nothing quite like the bold and mouthwatering flavors of the Peri Peri Chicken Recipe to bring a burst of excitement to your dinner table. This spicy, smoky, and tangy dish layers vibrant ingredients like garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes to create a marinade that turns simple chicken into a showstopper. Whether grilled to perfection or roasted until golden, each bite promises a delightful balance of heat and zest that will have you reaching for seconds. Let me share with you how to bring this irresistible meal to life, packed with everything you need to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, adding depth, texture, and vibrant color that’s essential to the final dish. From the smoky paprika to the fresh red bell pepper, the simple ingredients combine effortlessly to build the unforgettable flavor profile.
- Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts provide juicy, tender meat with crispy skin when cooked.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to keep the marinade smooth and help infuse flavors into the chicken.
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced bring aromatic pungency that’s foundational in peri peri seasoning.
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons add a tangy brightness balancing the smoky spices.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon lends fresh citrus zing enhancing the marinade’s complexity.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons introduce that signature smoky flavor with a vibrant red hue.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon offers warm earthiness that deepens the spice blend.
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon adds subtle citrus notes complementing other spices.
- Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon, adjust to taste, for heat that wakes up every bite.
- Peri-peri sauce or hot sauce: 2 teaspoons to pack authentic chili flavor into the marinade and dipping sauce.
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, chopped to bring sweetness and texture that contrast the heat.
- Salt and black pepper: Each at ½ teaspoon, essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Honey: 1 teaspoon added later in the sauce for a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by blending together olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, peri-peri sauce, red bell pepper, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth, vibrant marinade. This mixture is the magic that will turn ordinary chicken into a spectacular dish, packing a layered and balanced flavor punch.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now, generously coat your chicken pieces with this marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is well covered. The longer the chicken soaks in these flavors, the better—ideally at least 1-2 hours, but overnight marination takes the taste to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Choose your cooking method: for grill lovers, cook each side for 6-8 minutes until you see that irresistible crispy skin and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). If roasting, arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and let it roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, so the chicken cooks evenly and develops a golden crust.
Step 4: Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional)
While the chicken cooks, blend together olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri peri sauce, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper, then simmer gently on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. This sauce adds an extra kick as a dip or drizzle and perfectly complements the boldness of the chicken.
Step 5: Serve Your Peri Peri Chicken
Once cooked through, serve your chicken hot—drizzle with the homemade peri peri sauce or place it on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for a fresh, colorful finish that brightens up every plate.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or cilantro work beautifully to bring a pop of green and a fragrant contrast to the bold, spicy chicken. Sprinkle chopped herbs right before serving to add not only visual appeal but also a layer of fresh herbaceous flavor.
Side Dishes
This Peri Peri Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy basmati rice or crispy roasted potatoes, which soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad add wonderful texture and balance to the spicy, smoky main.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and layering it inside warm pita bread with sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and a dollop of cooling yogurt. You can also skewer marinated pieces for a fun party appetizer or wrap in flatbreads for flavorful lunches that transport you straight to coastal Africa or Portugal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the skin crispy, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving when possible to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in chicken retains more moisture and flavor, boneless pieces work fine too and will cook faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the Peri Peri Chicken Recipe?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of peri peri sauce and chili flakes. If you prefer milder food, reduce the chili or omit entirely for a gentle smoky flavor.
Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
Marinating for at least 1-2 hours will still impart great flavor, but overnight marinating allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more intense and delicious chicken.
What if I don’t have peri peri sauce on hand?
You can substitute with your favorite hot sauce as a quick fix. The unique smoky and tangy flavors of peri peri sauce add authenticity, but any chili-based hot sauce will still give you a tasty meal.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The classic Peri Peri Chicken Recipe relies on chicken, but you can adapt the marinade for tofu or cauliflower steaks for a flavorful vegan twist that’s just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that this Peri Peri Chicken Recipe has the power to become one of your go-to dishes for a punchy, exciting meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding to eat. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks smiles, and leaves everyone asking for the secret. So grab your ingredients and start marinating—you’re just a few steps away from a plate full of bold, vibrant flavor and a whole lot of joy!
Print
Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating time of 1 hour 20 minutes minimum)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese-African
Description
This flavorful Peri Peri Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs or breasts infused with a spicy, smoky peri-peri marinade. The dish can be grilled for a smoky char or roasted for crispy, golden skin. Served with an optional homemade peri-peri sauce for an extra kick, this recipe is perfect for a vibrant and zesty meal packed with bold flavors from garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and fresh red bell pepper.
Ingredients
For the 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 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, 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.
- For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and charred to your liking.
- For Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce (Optional): While the chicken is cooking, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust seasoning 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 and fresh aroma.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor and tender meat.
- Adjust chili flakes and peri-peri sauce quantity to control spiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal.
- If roasting, lining your baking sheet with foil makes cleanup easier.
- The peri-peri sauce is optional but highly recommended for extra heat and flavor enhancement.
