peri peri chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
peri peri chicken recipe
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The Best peri peri chicken recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the flavors and spices of international cuisine, and one dish that has captured my heart is the peri peri chicken recipe. Hailing from South Africa, this mouthwatering dish is a staple in many African countries, and its popularity has spread globally. The moment I took a bite of this juicy, flavorful chicken, I knew I had to share it with my family and friends.

The combination of spices, herbs, and chili peppers creates a unique taste experience that will leave you craving for more. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour. The marinade process infuses the chicken with so much flavor that you’ll be hooked from the first bite.

My kids are picky eaters, but they devour this chicken without hesitation. It’s become a staple in our household, perfect for family gatherings or everyday meals. What I love most about peri peri chicken is its versatility.

You can serve it as a main course or as part of a larger meal with rice, vegetables, or even as a snack on its own. The health benefits are also impressive – with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins from the spices, you can feel good about serving this dish to your loved ones. In recent years, peri peri chicken has gained popularity in restaurants and food trucks worldwide.

But trust me when I say that making it at home is just as easy and rewarding. With the right spices and some basic cooking skills, you can create this mouthwatering dish in no time.

Peri Peri Chicken

Peri Peri Chicken

4.8 from 1196 votes

This peri peri chicken features a spicy and tangy marinade made from African bird’s eye chilies, lemon, and garlic. The chicken is grilled or baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

4-6 bird’s eye chilies, stems removed
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

4 chicken leg quarters (about 2 lbs total)
1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine bird’s eye chilies, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a blender.
2Blend until smooth to form a thick paste, scraping down the sides as needed.
3Place chicken leg quarters in a large bowl and pour the peri peri paste over them.
4Rub the paste evenly into the chicken, covering all surfaces.
5Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
6Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
7If baking, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
8Brush the rack with olive oil to prevent sticking.
9Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack skin-side up, leaving space between pieces.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
11If grilling, cook over direct heat for 6-8 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until fully cooked.
12Remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
14Serve hot with extra peri peri sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Blender or food processor
Large bowl
Baking sheet or grill
Tongs
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 4g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

Tips: For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending. You can also use chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust cooking time accordingly. The marinade can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Peri Peri Chicken Works

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years – whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or an entertaining gathering with friends.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers on busy days.

To store any leftovers safely refrigerate them within two hours after cooking then reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Peri Peri Chicken

Q: What is peri peri chicken?

Peri peri chicken is a popular South African dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a spicy sauce.

Q: What are the key ingredients in peri peri chicken?

The main ingredients include chicken breast or thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, coriander powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Q: How do I make the marinade for peri peri chicken?

To make the marinade mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger root powder or fresh ginger grated finely salt black pepper cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes cumin seeds coriander powder.

Q: Can I use different types of meat for peri peri chicken?

You can use any type of meat you like such as beef pork lamb or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level to my taste?

You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili peppers or reducing the amount used depending on your preference.

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