Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Peri Peri Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish with its origins in Portuguese and African cuisine. It's known for its fiery marinade and bold taste. Here's how you can make Peri Peri Chicken at home
Ingredients
- 10-12 peri peri chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4-6 chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or a whole chicken cut into parts)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peri Peri Marinade:Start by soaking the peri peri chilies in hot water for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft.Once softened, remove the stems from the chilies.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the soaked chilies, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.Blend until you have a smooth and thick paste. You can adjust the quantity of chilies based on how spicy you want the marinade to be.
- Marinate the Chicken:Place the chicken pieces in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag.Pour the peri peri marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. You can use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Cooking the Chicken:Preheat your grill, barbecue, or oven to medium-high heat.If using a grill or barbecue, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
- Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper if desired.Place the chicken on the grill or in the oven, skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance.
- Serve:Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve the peri peri chicken hot, garnished with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro.You can serve it with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
Enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of Peri Peri Chicken! Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences and remember to have some cooling side dishes or sauces on hand if you need to tame the heat.