Exciting Peri Peri Chicken Recipes to Try

Peri peri chicken is a vibrant and flavourful dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Its spicy, tangy, and smoky notes make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Over the years, I have experimented with various peri peri chicken recipes, refining them to bring out the best flavours. Today, I want to share some of the best peri peri recipes that you can easily recreate at home. Whether you prefer grilling, baking, or frying, these recipes will add a delicious twist to your chicken dishes.

Discovering the Best Peri Peri Recipes

Peri peri, also known as piri piri or pili pili, is a type of chili pepper originally from Africa. The sauce made from these peppers combines heat with citrus and herbs, creating a unique flavour profile. The best peri peri recipes balance the spice with acidity and sweetness, making the chicken juicy and tender.

When making peri peri chicken, the marinade is key. It usually includes ingredients like fresh chili, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, and herbs such as oregano or thyme. Marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight allows the flavours to penetrate deeply.

Here are some tips to get the best results:

• Use fresh ingredients for the marinade to maximise flavour.

• Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

• Cook the chicken on medium heat to avoid burning the spices.

• Baste the chicken with leftover marinade during cooking for extra juiciness.

  
  

Grilled peri peri chicken ready to serve

Classic Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

Grilling peri peri chicken is one of the most popular methods. It imparts a smoky flavour that complements the spicy marinade perfectly. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

• 4 fresh red chilies, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp white vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Blend the chilies, garlic, paprika, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

2. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat the grill to medium heat.

5. Grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade.

6. Serve hot with a side of salad or fries.

   
   

This recipe is straightforward and delivers authentic peri peri flavours that everyone will enjoy.

Oven-Baked Peri Peri Chicken for a Juicy Finish

If you don’t have access to a grill, baking peri peri chicken in the oven is an excellent alternative. It keeps the chicken moist and allows the marinade to caramelise beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs, skin on

• 3 red chilies, deseeded and chopped

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Combine chilies, garlic, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a blender to make the marinade.

2. Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs.

3. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).

5. Place the chicken on a baking tray lined with foil.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

   
   

Oven-baked peri peri chicken is perfect for a fuss-free dinner that still packs a punch.

Oven-baked peri peri chicken fresh from the oven

Creative Twists on Peri Peri Chicken

While the traditional peri peri chicken is delicious, experimenting with variations can be exciting. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your peri peri chicken experience:

• Peri Peri Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken breast into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions. Grill or bake for a colourful and tasty meal.

• Peri Peri Chicken Wraps: Use shredded peri peri chicken in wraps with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a cooling yoghurt sauce.

• Peri Peri Chicken Pizza: Top your pizza base with peri peri chicken pieces, red onions, and mozzarella for a spicy twist on a classic.

• Peri Peri Chicken Salad: Add grilled peri peri chicken slices to a mixed green salad with avocado and a citrus dressing.

  
  

These variations allow you to enjoy peri peri chicken in different formats, perfect for lunches, snacks, or dinner parties.

Tips for Perfecting Your Peri Peri Chicken

To consistently make mouth-watering peri peri chicken, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Choose the right chicken cuts: Thighs and drumsticks tend to stay juicier than breasts.

• Balance the heat: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance.

• Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the marinade and tenderises the meat.

• Don’t skip resting time: Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices.

• Pair with complementary sides: Rice, chips, or a fresh salad work well.

  
  

By following these guidelines, you can master the art of peri peri chicken and impress your guests with bold flavours.

Explore More Peri Peri Chicken Recipes

If you want to dive deeper into the world of peri peri chicken, I recommend checking out peri peri chicken recipes from trusted sources. They offer a variety of recipes and tips that cater to different tastes and cooking styles.

Trying new recipes and techniques will help you discover your favourite way to enjoy this spicy delight. Whether you prefer it grilled, baked, or in a creative dish, peri peri chicken is a versatile and exciting meal option.

I hope these best peri peri recipes inspire you to bring some heat and flavour into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create delicious meals that everyone will love. Happy cooking!