Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

Peri Peri Chicken: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Peri Peri Chicken is a globally adored dish, famous for its perfect balance of spice, tang, and smokiness. Originating from the Mozambican and Portuguese culinary traditions, this fiery chicken recipe has become a favorite for those who love bold, vibrant flavors. The dish’s distinct taste comes from the use of peri peri (also known as African Bird’s Eye Chili), which imparts a unique heat that is both intense and addictive. When paired with a homemade peri peri marinade, the chicken becomes tender, juicy, and packed with layers of flavor.

The beauty of Peri Peri Chicken lies in the marinade. It’s a symphony of ingredients that blend together to create a sauce that coats the chicken with spice, sweetness, tanginess, and depth. The base of the marinade features roasted red capsicum (bell pepper) and garlic, which bring in a rich, savory foundation. The addition of smoked paprika adds a touch of earthy smokiness that complements the heat from fresh red chilies and the zing of red wine vinegar. For that bright citrusy finish, lemon juice and zest give the marinade an extra kick of freshness, rounding out the flavor profile. Combined with aromatic herbs like oregano and a few bay leaves, this marinade gives the chicken a flavor complexity that’s irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a barbecue, Peri Peri Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. The recipe is versatile, easy to adjust according to your taste preferences, and the perfect choice for anyone who loves a meal with a little kick. The secret to the best peri peri chicken lies in marinating the chicken long enough for the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making each bite burst with flavor. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more the chicken absorbs the tangy, spicy goodness.

Cooking methods for Peri Peri Chicken are also highly adaptable. For those looking for a quicker option, pan-searing the chicken to develop a crispy, golden exterior, followed by a quick bake to cook it through, offers the best of both worlds. You can also throw the chicken on the grill for that irresistible charred flavor, making it a perfect option for outdoor cooking or summer cookouts. The crispy, caramelized exterior contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender interior, making every bite a flavor explosion.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect Peri Peri Chicken, from preparing the marinade to cooking the chicken to perfection. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy this bold and satisfying dish that will have your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply love the burst of flavor from a well-seasoned chicken, this Peri Peri Chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

This Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant, spicy dish full of bold flavors. The combination of smoky paprika, fiery red chilies, and a tangy lemon twist creates a mouthwatering marinade that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 200g red capsicum (bell pepper)
• 20g smoked paprika
• 20g garlic (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 25g fresh red chili (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
• 20g red onion (finely chopped)
• 5g oregano (dried or fresh)
• 10g red wine vinegar
• 2-3g lemon zest
• 10g lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 5g black pepper
• 50g olive oil
• 2 bay leaves

Method:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the whole chicken into 8 pieces. You can use a whole chicken or purchase pre-cut pieces (legs, thighs, wings). Make sure to remove any excess fat and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to help the marinade adhere better.
2. Make the Marinade:
   • In a blender or food processor, combine the red capsicum, smoked paprika, garlic, fresh red chili, red onion, oregano, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
   • Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant red sauce. The capsicum gives the sauce a sweet base, while the chili and smoked paprika add heat and depth of flavor.
   • Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add extra fresh red chili or chili flakes.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared peri peri marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are generously coated.
   • Add the bay leaves into the marinade for extra aromatic flavor.
   • Cover the chicken and marinate for at least 2-3 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan.
   • Pan-sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the chicken.
   • Once the chicken is seared, transfer the pieces to a baking tray.
   • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
5. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the peri peri chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy the tender, juicy peri peri chicken with the perfect balance of heat and tanginess!

Tips:

• For extra heat, leave the seeds in the fresh chili when making the marinade.
• You can also grill the chicken instead of baking for a smokier flavor.
• If you want a more intense flavor, baste the chicken with the peri peri sauce while cooking.

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a single serving of Peri Peri Chicken (assuming the recipe serves 4):

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 12-15g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2-3g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 6-8g
• Cholesterol: 90-100mg
• Sodium: 600-700mg
• Potassium: 450-500mg
• Vitamin A: 15-20% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 40-50% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 2-3% of Daily Value
• Iron: 8-10% of Daily Value

Key Nutritional Components:

1. Protein: The chicken is a lean source of protein, providing high-quality amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
2. Fats: Olive oil is the primary fat source in this recipe, providing healthy monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. The chicken also contains some saturated fats, but in moderation.
3. Carbohydrates: The marinade contains minimal carbohydrates, with most coming from vegetables like red capsicum (bell pepper) and onion, which also provide fiber.
4. Vitamins: The recipe is a good source of Vitamin A (from the capsicum and chilies) and Vitamin C (from the red chilies and lemon), both of which are essential for immune function and skin health.
5. Minerals: The chicken provides a moderate amount of potassium, important for regulating blood pressure and heart function.

Notes:

• The exact values will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
• For those watching sodium intake, the amount of salt and soy sauce (if added) should be monitored.
• If you choose to serve the Peri Peri Chicken with sides like rice or bread, be sure to add the additional nutrition from those items.

This nutritional breakdown assumes you’re using a whole chicken (about 1kg) and the specific quantities mentioned in the recipe. It doesn’t include any additional sides or accompaniments like rice, vegetables, or sauces, which would increase the total calorie count and other nutrient values.

Here is the adjusted ingredients list for 2 servings and 4 servings of Peri Peri Chicken based on the original recipe:

For 2 Servings:

• 1/2 whole chicken (about 500g), cut into 8 pieces
• 100g red capsicum (bell pepper)
• 10g smoked paprika
• 10g garlic (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12g fresh red chili (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
• 10g red onion (finely chopped)
• 2.5g oregano (dried or fresh)
• 5g red wine vinegar
• 1-2g lemon zest
• 5g lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2.5g black pepper
• 25g olive oil
• 1 bay leaf

For 4 Servings:

• 1 whole chicken (about 1kg), cut into 8 pieces
• 200g red capsicum (bell pepper)
• 20g smoked paprika
• 20g garlic (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 25g fresh red chili (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
• 20g red onion (finely chopped)
• 5g oregano (dried or fresh)
• 10g red wine vinegar
• 2-3g lemon zest
• 10g lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 5g black pepper
• 50g olive oil
• 2 bay leaves

By adjusting the quantities based on the number of servings, you can easily scale this recipe to fit your needs.