Ignite your taste buds with the fiery flavors of Peri Peri Chicken, a vibrant dish inspired by bold African and Portuguese culinary traditions. This recipe pairs tender chicken, expertly marinated in a homemade Peri Peri sauce crafted from red bell peppers, bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and a medley of spices like paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Each bite is a perfect blend of tangy lemon juice, zesty white vinegar, and a subtle touch of sugar to balance the heat. Whether grilled to smoky perfection or roasted until irresistibly golden, this dish promises juicy, flavorful chicken infused with spicy, aromatic intensity. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a show-stopping barbecue centerpiece, Peri Peri Chicken is best served with sides like rice, salad, or charred vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Start by preparing the marinade. In a food processor, combine the chopped red bell pepper, bird's eye chilies, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, white vinegar, and sugar.
Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth puree. This is your Peri Peri sauce.
Clean and pat the chicken dry. Make small slashes in the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the Peri Peri sauce over the chicken and ensure it is well coated.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for more intense flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
If roasting, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Serve the Peri Peri Chicken with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Calories |
3865 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 242.7 g | 311% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.6 g | 303% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1198 mg | 399% | |
| Sodium | 3070 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| Protein | 375.1 g | 750% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 219 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 3608 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.