Peri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
Introduction
Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant Portuguese-style dish known for its spicy, tangy marinade and perfectly grilled chicken. This recipe brings bold flavors to your table with a simple homemade marinade that infuses every bite with zest and heat. It’s perfect for a weekend barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the Peri Peri marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill or roast until cooked through, with beautiful char marks on the outside.
- Step 4: Serve your Peri Peri Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without heat.
- Adding a splash of vinegar to the marinade can enhance the tanginess and help tenderize the chicken further.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and extra juiciness.
Storage
Store leftover Peri Peri Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This allows the flavors to develop even more deeply.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can roast the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
PrintPeri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
This authentic Portuguese-style Peri Peri Chicken recipe features juicy chicken pieces marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Grilled or roasted to perfection, the chicken boasts smoky char marks and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peri Peri Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful Peri Peri marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: Warm up your grill or preheat your oven to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or a roasting pan. Grill or roast the chicken until it is cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have beautiful char marks or a nicely browned exterior for optimal flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the Peri Peri Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges for an added zest. Complement the dish with grilled vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor infusion.
- You can adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- If using oven, roast at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Portuguese Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Portuguese Cuisine, Lemon Chicken, Chili Chicken, BBQ Chicken
