Peri peri chicken is a popular and flavorful dish known for its spicy and tangy taste. The term “peri peri” refers to the key ingredient in the dish—the African bird’s eye chili, also known as piri-piri or peri-peri chili.
This small and potent chili pepper is responsible for the dish’s characteristic heat.
The dish is rooted in the Portuguese-speaking regions of Mozambique and Angola. It gained widespread popularity through the influence of the South African restaurant chain Nando’s, which specializes in peri-peri chicken.
The preparation typically involves marinating chicken pieces in a peri peri sauce and then grilling or roasting them to perfection.
Peri Peri Sauce
The peri peri sauce is a crucial component of the dish, and it usually includes ingredients such as bird’s eye chili, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and various spices.
The marinade infuses the chicken with a spicy and savory flavor, making chicken peri peri a delicious and sought-after dish.
Homemade Peri Peri Sauce
INGREDIENTS:
- 10-12 bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Remove the stems from the bird’s eye chilies.
- In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients.
Blend:
- Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust salt or other seasonings if needed.
Store:
- Transfer the sauce to a jar and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop over time.
Chicken Preparation
INGREDIENTS:
- 4-6 chicken pieces, or whole chicken devided in two
- 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix together the peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for best results.
Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken:
- If using a grill, grill the chicken for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the peri peri chicken to a serving platter.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and serve with additional peri peri sauce on the side.
Best Served With:
Peri peri chicken is often served with sides like rice, fries, vegetables, or a fresh salad. The dish has become a global favorite, and variations of it can be found in different culinary traditions, with chefs incorporating their twists on the classic recipe.
