Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried Peri Peri Chicken, you’re seriously missing out! This dish is like a flavor explosion in your mouth—spicy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! I first discovered peri peri chicken at a local restaurant, and I was immediately hooked by that zesty marinade. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for summer barbecues and cozy dinners alike. Trust me, once you get a whiff of that marinade—garlic, paprika, and that fiery peri peri sauce—you’ll be dreaming about it! Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and gatherings. Ready to dive into this spicy delight? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless for easy grilling)
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (adjust based on your spice preference for a milder or hotter kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for added moisture and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (to enhance that savory punch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of smokiness and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this for balancing the flavors!)
How to Prepare Peri Peri Chicken
Getting the perfect Peri Peri Chicken is all about following a few simple steps, and I promise it’s worth every minute you spend. Let’s break it down together!
Preheat the Grill
First things first—let’s get that grill fired up! Preheating your grill is essential because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful char. Aim for medium-high heat; this is where the magic happens. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the chicken hits the grates!
Mix the Marinade
Now, let’s create that amazing marinade that’ll infuse our chicken with flavor! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peri peri sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial—it’s what gives your chicken that zesty kick! The combination of the spicy sauce and spices creates a deliciously fragrant mixture that you’ll want to slather on everything!
Marinate the Chicken
Next, it’s time to coat those chicken thighs with the marinade. Make sure every inch is covered; I like to get in there with my hands—it’s messy, but totally worth it! Once coated, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit longer (even a few hours) will give you even more flavor. Trust me, the longer, the better!
Grill the Chicken
Now for the fun part—grilling! Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re no longer pink inside and have nice grill marks. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken!
Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is grilled to perfection, don’t skip this crucial step—let it rest for a few minutes! This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender and juicy. While it’s resting, you can prep your sides. I love serving this spicy delight with fluffy rice or a fresh salad. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep—get this delicious chicken on the table in no time!
- Spicy and flavorful—a taste sensation that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Gluten-free option—perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
- Great for grilling season—whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy dinner, this dish shines!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Peri Peri Chicken turns out absolutely delicious every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your cooking game!
- Adjust the Spice Level: Love the heat? Feel free to amp up the peri peri sauce! If you prefer a milder version, just use less sauce or mix in a bit of yogurt to tone it down. You’ll still get that tasty flavor without the intense spice!
- Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure your chicken thighs are about the same size for even cooking. If they’re varying in thickness, consider pounding them down a bit—this helps them cook through perfectly without drying out!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly juicy chicken, using a meat thermometer is key! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It takes the guesswork out of cooking and guarantees you won’t end up with dry chicken.
- Let it Rest: I can’t stress this enough—let your grilled chicken rest! It makes a world of difference in keeping it juicy. Just a few minutes will do wonders!
- Pairing Sides: This chicken goes wonderfully with a variety of sides! Think fluffy rice, a crisp salad, or even roasted veggies. They’ll complement the spicy flavors beautifully and round out your meal!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be whipping up mouthwatering peri peri chicken like a pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk about the numbers! While I always say it’s best to enjoy your food without worrying too much about calories, it’s good to know what you’re working with, right? Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of Peri Peri Chicken, which is typically a single chicken thigh:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare your chicken. For example, if you opt for skinless chicken thighs, the fat content will be lower. So, feel free to adjust based on your preferences! Enjoy indulging in this spicy dish without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can definitely switch it up and use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Breasts tend to cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. Drumsticks can be super flavorful, too, and I think they add a nice touch to the dish!
How can I make it less spicy?
If you’re looking to dial down the heat, there are a couple of easy tricks! You can simply use less peri peri sauce in your marinade—start with just one tablespoon and see how it goes. Another fantastic option is to mix in a bit of yogurt or sour cream. This not only helps mellow out the spice but also adds a creamy texture that complements the chicken beautifully!
What should I serve with peri peri chicken?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love serving my peri peri chicken with fluffy rice or a fresh salad to balance out the spiciness. You could also whip up some grilled vegetables for a colorful side. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some garlic bread or even roasted potatoes—they pair wonderfully with the zesty flavors of the chicken!
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, yes, yes! You can totally prepare the marinade ahead of time. Just whip it up, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good for about 2-3 days. If you want, you can even marinate the chicken in advance! Just coat the chicken and let it soak up all that flavor overnight—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can still enjoy delicious peri peri chicken by baking it in the oven or pan-searing it on the stovetop. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If pan-searing, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll still get that amazing flavor!
For more information on the health benefits of spicy foods, check out this Healthline article.
For more delicious chicken recipes, visit our dinner category.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the origins of peri peri sauce, check out this Spruce Eats article.
Print
Peri Peri Chicken: 5 Spicy Steps to Flavorful Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy and flavorful peri peri chicken marinated in a zesty sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix peri peri sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the chicken on the grill.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Remove from grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less peri peri sauce.
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Chicken