Peri Peri Chicken
Peri Peri Chicken is a dish bursting with bold flavors and a lovely spicy kick. It features tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Peri Peri Chicken is a dish bursting with bold flavors and a lovely spicy kick. It features tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled or roasted to perfection. The smoky char and tangy heat make it a real treat for your taste buds.
I love making Peri Peri Chicken when I want something exciting but easy to prepare. The marinade is simple to whip up, and letting the chicken soak in those zesty flavors really makes a difference. Plus, it’s one of those meals that gets everyone asking for seconds because the spice is just right—not too mild, not too wild.
My favorite way to enjoy Peri Peri Chicken is with a side of cool, creamy yogurt sauce and some fresh salad or grilled veggies. It balances out the heat perfectly and makes the meal feel light and fresh. Whenever I serve this dish, it always feels like a little celebration at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken pieces: I prefer thighs and drumsticks because they stay juicy and have great flavor. You can use breasts but watch the cooking time to avoid drying out.
Dried red chilies: These give the heat and traditional peri peri flavor. If you can’t find them, try red chili flakes or fresh red chilies. Adjust quantity for your heat tolerance.
Olive oil: This helps create a smooth marinade and keeps the chicken moist. If you prefer, you can substitute with vegetable or avocado oil.
Vinegar or lemon juice: Both add that signature tangy kick. Lemon juice feels fresher, but white vinegar works well too. Don’t skip this—it brightens the marinade.
Herbs and spices: Smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cumin build the deep smoky, earthy flavors. If you’re missing one, just omit or replace with a similar spice you like.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Soaks Up All the Peri Peri Flavor?
Marinating is key for juicy, flavorful chicken. Here’s how I do it:
- Dry the chicken: Pat it with paper towels before marinating for better marinade adhesion.
- Coat well: Make sure every piece is fully covered with the marinade.
- Time: Marinate at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. The longer the better for deep flavor.
- Cover: Use a bowl with plastic wrap or a sealed bag to keep the marinade close to the chicken.
This method really helps the spices and heat reach inside the chicken, making every bite full of peri peri zest. When cooking, baste occasionally for extra juiciness and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor – it makes mixing the marinade smooth and easy.
- Large bowl or zip-top bag – perfect for marinating the chicken evenly.
- Grill or oven – grilling adds smoky flavor, but baking works great too.
- Tongs – help you turn chicken safely and evenly while cooking.
- Basting brush (optional) – useful for brushing extra marinade onto chicken during cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or firm white fish for a quick, lighter take on peri peri flavors.
- Add smoked sausage pieces to the grill alongside chicken for a smoky combo plate.
- Mix chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil into the marinade for a fresh twist.
- Include grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini as a spicy, colorful side.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 to 6 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 4 to 6 dried red chilies (or peri peri chilies), soaked in hot water to soften
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano (preferably dried)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional for balance)
For Garnishing and Optional Side:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Red onion salad (optional side, made with thinly sliced red onions, lemon juice, salt, and chili slices)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and chicken, at least 2 hours (or overnight) to marinate, plus 35-40 minutes to cook. If using a grill, cooking time is about 12-16 minutes depending on heat. So plan for roughly 3 hours total including marinating time, but hands-on time is less than 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peri Peri Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, combine the softened dried red chilies, garlic, chopped red bell pepper, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey if using. Blend everything until you get a smooth and slightly thick sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the peri peri marinade over the chicken and mix well so each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; overnight is best for the most flavor.
3. Preheat Grill or Oven:
If grilling, heat your grill to medium-high. For oven cooking, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the Chicken:
On the grill, place chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked with nice grill marks. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade to keep it juicy. For oven roasting, place chicken on a foil-lined tray or rack and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked and slightly charred.
5. Make the Side Salad (Optional):
Toss thinly sliced red onions with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and thin slices of fresh chili for a fresh, zesty side salad.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the cooked chicken on a platter. Spoon some leftover peri peri sauce into a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and finely chopped fresh red chili for color and extra heat.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve hot with sides like the onion salad, grilled veggies, fries, or rice. This Peri Peri Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and packed with that classic spicy kick—perfect for a delicious and vibrant meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating. This helps the marinade penetrate better and ensures even cooking.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
At least 2 hours is good, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight. The longer marinating time allows the spices and heat to deeply infuse the chicken.
Can I Bake Instead of Grill?
Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, turning once for even cooking and crispiness. It’s an easy alternative if you don’t have a grill.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep it moist and tasty.
