Sizzling Peri Peri Chicken Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Spicy aromas of peri peri chicken waft through my kitchen, promising a zesty culinary adventure.

Peppers dance with vibrant seasonings, creating magic beyond ordinary grilled meats.

Portugal’s fiery culinary tradition inspires this incredible dish that sparks excitement.

Sharp chili notes promise intense flavor for anyone wanting something extraordinary.

African bird’s eye chilies bring remarkable depth to every succulent bite.

Marinades packed with garlic and lemon create an unbelievable taste journey.

Juicy chicken pieces promise to deliver a meal you cannot resist.

Want to surprise everyone with an unforgettable dinner that feels like a flavor explosion?

Peri Peri Chicken That’s Bold, Spicy, and Oven-Ready

• Burst with Flavor: Discover the irresistible charm of this peri-peri chicken recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal kitchen skills required, with straightforward steps that take less than an hour of active cooking time.
• Weekend Dinner Champion: Perfect for casual family gatherings or weekend meals that impress without overwhelming complex cooking techniques.
• Customizable Spice Experience: Adjust the peri-peri sauce intensity to match personal heat preferences, making it adaptable for different taste buds.

Peri Peri Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein source with a mild flavor that absorbs marinade well, choose fresh and skin-on for more moisture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the rice, provides extra flavor and moisture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides intense flavor depth, fresh and firm produce preferred.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color to marinade, red or yellow varieties work best.
• Peri-Peri Sauce: Signature spicy Portuguese-style sauce, authentic brands recommended.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend marinade ingredients and adds smooth texture.
• Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs that enhance overall flavor profile, dried herbs can be substituted.
• Lemon: Provides bright acidity and tenderizes chicken, fresh juice recommended.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and rich sauce texture, full-fat version preferred.

• Rice: Neutral base for serving chicken, long-grain white rice works best.
• Turmeric: Adds golden color and earthy flavor to rice.
• Frozen Corn: Sweet vegetable addition that provides texture and color.
• Salt, White Pepper: Basic seasoning for enhancing flavors throughout dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish for visual appeal and extra freshness.

Grilling and Glazing Peri Peri Chicken the Right Way

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Prepare your chicken by trimming away extra fat and patting it completely dry.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the meat and sprinkle with salt and white pepper.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Fresh basil leaves
• Dried oregano
• Diced bell pepper
• Peri-peri sauce
• Olive oil

Pour the vibrant marinade over the chicken, ensuring every inch is coated.

Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

Save the marinade for later.

Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes on each side, rotating occasionally.

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Simmer the reserved marinade in a small pan for about 7 minutes to create an extra sauce.

Step 3: Craft Savory Rice

In a pot, sauté onions and peppers in a splash of oil until soft.

Add garlic and turmeric, cooking for 30 seconds.

Mix in rice, chicken broth, and salt.

Let it simmer for 10 minutes until liquid absorbs.

Toss in frozen corn, reduce heat, cover, and steam for 10 minutes.

Let the rice sit until serving time.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Peri Peri Sauce

• Peri-peri sauce
• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Simmer over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spread the savory rice on plates, top with grilled chicken, and drizzle the creamy peri-peri sauce generously.

Sprinkle fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor if desired.

Enjoy your spicy, tantalizing meal!

Fiery Chicken Wins with These Peri Peri Tips

• Allow chicken to sit in the marinade overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, preventing dry meat.
• Boil reserved marinade thoroughly to eliminate any potential bacteria from raw chicken contact.
• Let rice sit covered after cooking to help grains absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
• Adjust creamy peri-peri sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding more cream for a lighter consistency.

Chill Peri Peri Chicken for Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• For quick reheating, use 30-second intervals, rotating and checking moisture. Add a damp paper towel over chicken to retain juiciness and prevent tough texture.

Peri Peri Chicken Recipe Serving Suggestions

• Sip Spicy Portuguese Wine: Pair this peri-peri chicken with a crisp, slightly sweet vinho verde from Portugal to balance the dish's fiery heat and complement its vibrant flavors.
• Refresh with Citrus Cocktail: Create a zesty lemon-herb mojito or caipirinha that echoes the recipe's citrusy undertones and provides a cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
• Cool Down with Creamy Sides: Serve a cucumber yogurt raita or a light coleslaw alongside the dish to neutralize the peri-peri sauce's intense spiciness and add refreshing texture.
• Enhance with Craft Beer Pairing: Select a hoppy IPA or a wheat beer with citrus notes to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce and match the chicken's bold seasoning.

Peri Peri Chicken with Spice Level Ideas

• Veggie Peri Peri Tofu: Swap chicken with firm tofu, marinate similarly, and grill for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining the same spice profile and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free peri-peri sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook marinated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a quicker cooking technique with crispy exterior.

FAQs

• What is peri-peri sauce made of?

Peri-peri sauce originates from African and Portuguese cuisine, typically made with African bird’s eye chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, salt, onions, and sometimes herbs like oregano. It provides a spicy, tangy flavor profile that gives the chicken its distinctive taste.

• Is peri-peri chicken spicy?

The spice level depends on the specific peri-peri sauce used. Some sauces are mild, while others can be extremely hot. You can adjust the heat by choosing a milder or more intense peri-peri sauce or by reducing the amount used in the marinade.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook peri-peri chicken in an oven or on a stovetop grill pan. If using an oven, bake at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A grill pan works similarly to an outdoor grill for achieving those characteristic char marks.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination (8-12 hours) is ideal.

Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fiery Portuguese peri peri chicken brings zesty flavor to dinner tables with its bold spice blend. Marinated chicken sings with tangy chili heat, promising a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 pounds (1.2 to 1.5 kg) chicken, cut into 8 pieces or 8 chicken legs
• 1 lemon or lime
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground white pepper
• Salt, to taste

Marinade and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 6 basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

Rice and Accompaniment Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups frozen corn

Creamy Peri Peri Sauce:

• 1/2 cup peri-peri sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep the protein by trimming excess fat and patting chicken dry with paper towels. Create a vibrant marinade by blending onions, garlic, basil, oregano, bell pepper, peri-peri sauce, and olive oil until smooth. Massage lemon juice, salt, and white pepper into the chicken, then submerge in the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Fire up the grill to medium-high temperature. Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Reserve marinade for later transformation into a sauce. Grill chicken for approximately 10-15 minutes per side, rotating periodically to ensure even cooking and achieving an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer marinade to a saucepan and simmer for 7 minutes to eliminate potential bacteria and create a flavorful accompaniment.
3. Craft the aromatic rice by sautéing onions and peppers in oil until translucent. Introduce garlic and turmeric, cooking briefly to release their fragrant essence. Incorporate rice, chicken broth, and salt, allowing the mixture to simmer until liquid absorbs. Fold in frozen corn, reduce heat, cover, and steam for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest until serving.
4. Develop a luscious peri-peri cream sauce by combining peri-peri sauce, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring intermittently for 5 minutes to meld flavors and achieve a smooth consistency.
5. Plate the dish by arranging grilled chicken atop the savory rice. Cascade the creamy peri-peri sauce over the chicken. Optional: Embellish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness and guaranteeing food safety.
• Adjust peri-peri sauce intensity by choosing mild or hot varieties based on personal spice tolerance.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including marination time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg