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Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Portuguese and African-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a smoky, spicy, and tangy blend of garlic, lemon, olive oil, paprika, chili peppers, and herbs. This recipe offers a tender and juicy chicken with a beautifully caramelized exterior, perfect for baking, grilling, or air frying. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and adaptable to various spice preferences, making it ideal for casual meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters or 8 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Peri Peri Marinade

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley
  • Sliced red chilies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, red chilies, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, black pepper, honey, and parsley. Blend until smooth to create the peri peri marinade.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make two or three shallow cuts into the thickest parts of each piece to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
  3. Marinate: Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the peri peri marinade over the chicken and massage it into every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop maximum flavor.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken skin-side up on the prepared tray, leaving some space between each piece. Reserve any remaining marinade for basting.
  6. Bake: Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, brush the chicken with some of the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
  7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The skin should be golden with lightly charred edges.
  8. Optional Broil: For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Rest: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  10. Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and additional peri peri sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for the deepest flavor.
  • Adjust the number of chilies to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the sauce adhere better.
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Reserve some marinade before applying to raw chicken if you want extra sauce for serving.
  • Broil briefly for extra caramelized and crispy skin.
  • Wear gloves when handling hot chilies to avoid skin irritation.
  • Leftover chicken is excellent for wraps, salads, and meal prep.
  • Boneless chicken can be used; adjust cooking time to 20-25 minutes accordingly.
  • The recipe is naturally gluten-free but always confirm spice and vinegar labels if needed.

Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, spicy chicken recipe, Portuguese chicken, African peri peri, marinated chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, smoky chicken, homemade peri peri sauce

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/peri-peri-chicken-recipe/