Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

Delicious, fire-hot, and juicy-perfect – This Peri Peri Chicken is the best thing to hit your dinner table. This quick and easy copycat Nando’s Peri Peri Rice is made with store cupboard ingredients found in any kitchen and if you have at least half an oven, you can make this!

A colorful, smokey, citrusy, spicy marinade has plenty of time to penetrate every crevice of the tender chicken thighs and drumsticks, so each bite is exploding with deep, spicy flavor. Whether you bake or grill it, the pork emerges juicy, charred perfection, which when served diced up amongst the roasted peppers with fresh lime wedges is truly superb.

Ideal for rustling up as a weeknight dinner for the whole family, or for dinner parties, this slimming-friendly ‘fakeaway’ is so much healthier for you than restaurant-style Peri Peri Chicken. Spoon it over rice or with your favorite side for a simple, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Peri Peri Chicken – a burst of spice and zing!

Olive Oil – This a the “massaging oil” for the marinade so that the chicken shrimp stays ultra moist and also it will help getting that rich and smoky flavors deep into every single bite.

Smoked Paprika – Contributes an intoxicating depth of flavor with it’s mild, rich smoky essence, ensuring the chicken is still signature spicy peri peri.

Chili Flakes – This is the spice core of this dish, so you can make this spicier or less spicy as you like.

Garlic Powder – Adds to the the marinade’s savoriness, aromatic warmth, and tempers the heat with a deep, savory flavor.

LIME & LEMON ZEST – Infused with citrusy freshness, that stands out against the intensity of the marinade, giving a fresh and tangy edge to the whole mix.

Chicken Thighs & Drumsticks – Moist and tender; these are the best for soaking up all that peri peri flavor so when you take a bite of this, be prepared for a finger licking good bite!

Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken and Recipe Tips, Serving Ideas and FAQ

This homemade Peri Peri Chicken is a trifecta of fire smoked, spice rubbed and lemony bird. Whether you’re replicating a Nando’s favorite or serving in a healthier, homemade version, these expert tips, serving ideas and FAQs should help you get the dish just right.

Recipe Tips

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

The secret to a great Peri Peri Chicken is in the marinade. Marinating the chicken overnight (or for at least 12 hours) allows the flavors to have time to penetrate all the way through to the center and not only tenderizes the meat, but makes for a juicier and more flavorful bird. If you’re in a hurry, don’t worry – even a 2-hour marinade will add fantastic flavor, but the longer you can let it marinate, the better it is, so think Taraji P.ernes patience is key!

Adjust the Heat to Your Taste

Peri Peri sauce is renowned for its spicy bite, but to taste you can easily adjust the heat. To dial the heat down, decrease the chili flakes or replace them with a milder one, such as Kashmiri chili powder. If you like more heat, include fresh chopped chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Get into an Ashy, Smoky Finish

If you do want that moist, fiery flame-grilled flavor, here’s how to do it at home: Once the chicken is done, place under the broiler (grill setting) for the last few minutes of cooking. If cooking on a grill outdoors, grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning every now and then so that it gets an all-over char without burning. This is the step that doubles down on the smoky flavor and provides that crisp edge it’s known for.

What to Serve with Peri Peri Chicken

Cumin-spiced Rice & Vege Roast

A nice pile of white fluffy rice flavored with a bit of turmeric or cumin provides a good base for sopping up the robust peri peri notes. Serve it with roasted bell peppers, zucchini or red onions for a meal of contrasting textures.

Crispy Peri Peri Fries

If you want the full Nando’s treatment, serve your chicken with crispy oven-baked or air-fried fries spiced with peri peri. A sprinkle of paprika, garlic powder and just a pinch of salt will add an element of pizzazz to freshly fried fries.

Green Salad with Fresh Herbs and Garlic-Yogurt Dressing

Cool down your Peri Peri Chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette. The cool garlic yogurt dip (made with Greek yogurt, garlic and a squeeze of lime) provides a creamy counterpoint to the spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?

Yes! Chicken breasts are neat, if slightly boring — just know that they won’t need as much time, or they’ll dry out and overcook. Marinate at least 4 hours and cook on the lower side (375°F / 190°C), just until an inner temperature of 165°F (75°C) (so that the thighs are juicy).

Is there anything I can do to make this recipe even healthful?

To make it slimming-friendly, replace the olive oil with a few sprays of low calorie cooking spray and instead of brown sugar use a sugar-free sweetener. And baking or grilling the chicken rather than frying helps keep its fat count down.

Can Peri Peri Chicken be made in advance?

Absolutely! For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance. You can also prepare it in advance and transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

I have Peri Peri sauce from the grocery, can I use it as a store-bought instead of the homemade marinate?

Yes, but making your peri peri marinade from scratch will deliver a fresher, tastier result. If using bottled sauce, opt for one made with natural ingredients and as few preservatives as possible to ensure the best flavor.

So, that’s it, enjoy your homemade Peri Peri Chicken – all those spice, zest and bold flavors of deliciousness in every bite!

Peri Peri Chicken

This dynamic Peri Peri Chicken brings a burst of bold, zesty flavor to your dining table, offering a deliciously spiced alternative to traditional takeout. Bursting with vibrant heat and citrusy undertones, it’s a dish that’s both simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests. Marinated to perfection and oven-roasted for a juicy finish, this recipe is a flavorful celebration of classic peri peri style.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 People

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Peri Peri Marinade
• Olive Oil – Acts as the base of the marinade promoting even coating and tender results.
• Lime & Lemon Juice with Zest – Imparts bright citrus-infused freshness, heightening the flavor of the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika – Lends a warm smoky complexity that complements the marinade’s spiciness.
• Chili Flakes – Adds adjustable heat allowing you to tailor the spice level from mild to fiery.
• Brown Sugar or Sukrin Gold Sweetener – Balances the bold spices with a subtle note of sweetness.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the marinade with a rich savory character.
• Dried Oregano – Contributes a fragrant herbal depth rounding out the spice profile.
• Salt & Ground Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing and unifying all other flavors.
• Chicken
• Skinless Chicken Thighs 8 pieces – Moist and flavorful, these cuts absorb the marinade exceptionally well.
• Chicken Drumsticks 4 pieces – Offer a succulent, bone-in texture with crispy edges when roasted.
• Optional Sides
• Red Yellow, and Orange Bell Peppers – Thinly sliced to provide a sweet, vibrant counterpoint to the spiced chicken.
• Lime Wedges – Served on the side for a refreshing citrus boost just before serving.

Method

 

1. Marinate the Chicken
2. In a non-reactive mixing bowl, combine all the marinade components and whisk until thoroughly blended.
3. Place the chicken pieces into the mixture, turning to ensure full coverage.
4. Cover the bowl or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours, extending up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
5. Cook the Chicken
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. If including bell peppers, arrange them evenly across a lined baking tray.
8. Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto metal skewers, shaking off excess marinade.
9. Set a wire rack over the tray and position the chicken skewers on top.
10. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), as measured by a digital meat thermometer.
11. Serve hot with your choice of rice or grilled vegetables, accompanied by lime wedges for added zest.

Notes

For a Slimming World-adapted version, replace brown sugar with a suitable sweetener and opt for a low-calorie cooking spray in place of olive oil. Adjust the quantity of chili flakes to suit your preferred spice level.