Finger-licking, tender, and full of fiery flavors - that's what Peri Peri Chicken is all about. Originally hailing from Africa with Portuguese influences, this recipe features chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and spices. Then it's grilled to perfection for a smoky finish.
This Peri Peri Chicken recipe brings together the perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors that can make any dinner extraordinary. It's ideal for those who crave a hint of exotic on their plates.
Why This Recipe Works
This Peri Peri Chicken recipe is a marvel because it transforms a simple chicken dish into a tantalizingly vibrant meal. The main hero is the peri peri marinade which packs a punch with a balanced blend of heat, acidity, and earthy undertones. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it, ensuring that each bite is juicy and bursting with taste. Furthermore, grilling the marinated chicken enhances its overall flavor by adding a subtle hint of smokiness.
Why should you make it? Apart from the mesmerizing taste, this recipe is versatile and pairs well with different sides. You can serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal, or with potatoes and vegetables for a heartier dinner. Its exotic taste profile also offers a pleasant break from everyday flavors. Moreover, it's a fantastic choice for gatherings as the vibrant and attractive dish can quickly become a conversation starter. Another great thing about this recipe is that the preparation is straightforward, and the majority of the cooking time is hands-off, letting you attend to other tasks or relax while the chicken marinates and grills. You get a delicious and impressive dish without much effort.
Ingredients
Chicken - A full chicken is preferred for this recipe to ensure a good blend of textures and flavors.. If a whole chicken is not available, you could use chicken pieces such as drumsticks, thighs or breast pieces.
Peri Peri Sauce - This is a spicy sauce made from Peri Peri chilies, a type of chili native to Africa. It's what gives the chicken its fiery, tangy taste. If Peri Peri sauce is unavailable, a good substitute would be a blend of cayenne pepper and paprika.
Lemon - The juice of a lemon adds acidity to the dish, cutting through the spice and enhancing the overall flavor. If lemons are not available, vinegar could be used as a substitute.
Garlic - Fresh cloves of garlic are crushed and added for a depth of flavor. Garlic powder could be used as a substitute, although the taste won't be as strong.
Olive Oil - This adds moisture to the chicken and aids in cooking. It can be substituted with other cooking oils, though the taste may slightly differ.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Control the heat by adjusting the amount of Peri Peri sauce used. More sauce will result in spicier chicken.
- Roast the chicken on a rack in the oven to ensure it cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy skin.
- Baste the chicken with its juices while cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
How to Serve
Peri Peri chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different sides. The spicy, tangy chicken is a great centerpiece for any meal, and its bold flavor profile can stand up to a variety of accompaniments.
- Serve it with a side of creamy coleslaw to balance out the spice, and some grilled vegetables for a healthy addition.
- It also pairs well with garlic bread, where the buttery, garlic flavor complements the spicy chicken.
- For a more traditional pairing, serve it with Portuguese-style rice, a simple but flavorful rice dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
Looking for more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Peri Peri Chicken for 18 delicious side dishes 🙂
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Peri Peri Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 1.5 to 2 kg
- ½ cup Peri Peri sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 5 cloves of garlic crushed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Clean the chicken and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix together Peri Peri sauce, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and olive oil.
- Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 2-3 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack and roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Baste the chicken with its juices every 20 minutes while it's cooking.
- Once done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Control the heat by adjusting the amount of Peri Peri sauce used. More sauce will result in spicier chicken.
- Roast the chicken on a rack in the oven to ensure it cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy skin.
- Baste the chicken with its juices while cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.