Peri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
Introduction
Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Portuguese-style dish known for its spicy, garlicky marinade. This recipe offers a delightful combination of smoky paprika and zesty lemon, perfect for grilling or roasting at home. It’s a simple way to impress with bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken.
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 only.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a fresh garnish before serving.
- If you don’t have a grill, roasting at 400°F (200°C) in the oven works just as well.
Storage
Store leftover Peri Peri Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture and flavor. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the chicken juicy and safe to eat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.
Is Peri Peri sauce always spicy?
Traditionally, Peri Peri is spicy due to chili flakes, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the chili flakes to suit your taste.
PrintPeri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
A flavorful Portuguese-style Peri Peri Chicken marinated in a spicy and tangy blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes, then grilled or roasted to perfection. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and zest, ideal for a delicious and vibrant meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
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 Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended to create the Peri Peri marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or alternatively preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a good cooking environment for the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken on the preheated grill until cooked through and charred nicely, about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Alternatively, roast the chicken in the preheated oven on a baking tray for about 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the Peri Peri Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or coriander and lemon wedges. Accompany with grilled vegetables or a fresh side salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- If grilling isn’t an option, roasting in the oven will yield delicious results.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pairing with fresh salads or grilled vegetables complements the spicy heat of the dish.
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Portuguese chicken recipe, spicy grilled chicken, lemon garlic chicken, barbecue chicken, chili chicken marinade, grilled chicken recipe
