Bursting with bold, fiery flavors, Soy-Free Peri Peri Chicken is a showstopping dish that’s perfect for spice lovers and anyone seeking a soy-free alternative to traditional marinades. This recipe features tender chicken drumsticks infused with a homemade peri peri sauce, created from a vibrant blend of fresh red bell peppers, bird’s eye chilies, garlic, paprika, and citrusy lemon juice. The added touch of oregano and apple cider vinegar brings depth and complexity to the marinade while keeping it completely soy-free. Sear the drumsticks to achieve a beautiful golden crust before roasting them to juicy perfection in the oven. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this peri peri chicken delivers on flavor without compromise!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Begin by preparing the peri peri sauce. In a blender, combine the red bell peppers, bird's eye chilies, garlic cloves, paprika, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and fresh oregano.
Blend the mixture until smooth, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts on each drumstick to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
In a large bowl, pour the peri peri sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time permits, to enhance flavor.
Place a non-stick ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the skillet, searing them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve the soy-free peri peri chicken hot with your choice of sides, such as rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
2089 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.7 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.1 g | 150% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2953 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g | ||
| Protein | 185.2 g | 370% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 212 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 3109 mg | 66% | |
*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.