Peri Peri Chicken

Peri Peri chicken, also known as Piri Piri or Pili Pili chicken, is a flavorful and spicy dish that originated in Southern Africa, with strong ties to Portuguese cuisine due to colonial influences. The key ingredient in Peri Peri chicken is the Peri Peri chili, also known as African bird’s eye chili, which imparts a distinct fiery heat and vibrant flavor to the dish.

Key Elements:

1. Marinade: The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of Peri Peri chili, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, and other spices. The marinade can be adjusted for heat, making it either mild or extremely spicy.
2. Cooking Method: Peri Peri chicken is often grilled or roasted, which allows the marinade to infuse the meat with its rich flavors while creating a slightly charred and crispy exterior.
3. Serving: It is commonly served with a variety of sides such as rice, fries, salads, or corn on the cob. The dish is often accompanied by extra Peri Peri sauce for those who enjoy additional heat.

Peri Peri Chicken

This homemade Peri Peri Chicken recipe features a spicy and flavorful marinade made with Peri Peri chilies, garlic, and spices is perfect for grilling or roasting.

Servings 4

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Marinade 8 hours hrs

Total Time 9 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

 

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1x2x3x

• 10 Peri Peri (bird’s eye) chilies adjust according to heat preference
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
• 2 tbsp White Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped

For the Chicken:

• 4 Chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs) or 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• Extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Prepare the Marinade:

• Remove the stems from the Peri Peri chilies. If you prefer a milder marinade, you can also remove the seeds.
• In a blender or food processor, combine the Peri Peri chilies, garlic, red bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Blend until smooth.

Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken pieces in a large Ziplock bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Grill or Roast the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• If grilling, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
• If roasting, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

Serve:

• Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
• Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
• Serve with sides such as rice, fries, salad, or grilled vegetables, and extra Peri Peri sauce on the side.
• Enjoy your homemade Peri Peri Chicken, bursting with flavor and spice!

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 24gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1304mgPotassium: 785mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3183IUVitamin C: 210mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 3mg

Calories: 468kcal

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: African