Oh my goodness, get ready for a flavor explosion! There’s just something about a perfectly grilled, juicy chicken coated in that fiery, tangy Piri Piri sauce that makes my taste buds sing. This isn’t just any Piri Piri Chicken, though. This is the recipe that *always* impresses, and honestly, it’s shockingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight! I first fell in love with Piri Piri flavors years ago on a trip, and since then, I’ve made it my mission to nail that authentic, addictive heat. My grill is practically begging me to make this Piri Piri Chicken recipe again already!
Why You’ll Love This Piri Piri Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Piri Piri Chicken recipe is a total winner, trust me!
- It’s Speedy! Seriously, you can get this flavour-packed chicken on the table in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.
- So Easy, Anyone Can Do It: The marinade is practically foolproof, and grilling is super straightforward. No fancy chef skills needed here!
- Bold, Amazing Flavor: Get ready for that perfect spicy kick, balanced with tangy lemon and loads of garlic. It’s incredibly delicious.
- Versatile Star: This chicken is amazing with just about anything – rice, salad, roast veggies, or even in sandwiches. It’s a true chameleon dish!
Gather Your Piri Piri Chicken Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this incredible Piri Piri Chicken happen! It’s a pretty straightforward list, and you might even have most of it hiding in your pantry already. The magic really comes from that tangy, spicy marinade!
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or whatever chicken pieces you love – thighs, breasts, drumsticks, they all work!)
- 1/4 cup good olive oil (don’t skimp here, it makes a difference!)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (fresh is key, trust me!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic fiend like me!)
- 2 red chilies, deseeded and chopped (we’ll talk about heat levels in a bit!)
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, your call!)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
That’s it! See? Simple. The real secret weapon is those fresh chilies and the bright lemon juice. They really make the Piri Piri Chicken pop.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Piri Piri Chicken
You don’t need a whole fancy setup for this Piri Piri Chicken, but a few key players will make your life way easier. First off, you’ll definitely want a good mixing bowl – big enough to toss all that chicken around without making a mess. Some trusty measuring cups and spoons are a must for getting that marinade just right. And, of course, if you’re grilling, a clean and ready grill (whether it’s charcoal or gas, no judgment here!) is your best friend for that smoky char. If grilling isn’t your jam, a trusty baking sheet works too!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Piri Piri Chicken
Okay, are you ready to make some magic happen? This Piri Piri Chicken isn’t complicated, but there are a couple of steps that just make all the difference. Follow these, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious, juicy, spicy chicken you’ve ever had. It’s all about letting that amazing marinade really soak in! And hey, if you’re looking for another zesty flavor adventure, you should check out this classic margarita recipe sometime!
Marinating the Piri Piri Chicken
So, the first thing you gotta do is get that beautiful chicken into our flavour-packed marinade we just mixed up. Just pop your chicken pieces right into that bowl, give ’em a good toss so every single piece is coated in that garlicky, chilli-infused goodness. Then, cover it all up nice and tight and let it hang out in the fridge. I usually give it at least 30 minutes, but if you can swing it and let it go for 2 to 4 hours? Oh wow, the flavor is even deeper! This is where all that good stuff really starts to work its magic.
Grilling Your Piri Piri Chicken to Perfection
Alright, it’s grilling time! You want to get your grill nice and hot – medium-high heat is what we’re aiming for. Make sure those grates are clean, too, so you don’t have any sticky surprises. Carefully place your marinated Piri Piri Chicken pieces onto the hot grill. Now, you’re looking at about 20 to 25 minutes of grilling time. The key is to turn them every so often, maybe every 5 minutes or so, so they get that gorgeous char on all sides without burning. You’ll know they’re perfectly cooked when the juices run clear when you poke them with a knife or a skewer.
Tips for the Best Piri Piri Chicken
Okay, so now you’ve got the basics down for this amazing Piri Piri Chicken. But if you want to really take it over the top, here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way. These things just make *such* a difference!
First off, don’t be scared of the chilies! The recipe says de-seed them, which gives you a nice, pleasant heat. But if you’re feeling brave, or you just *really* love that fiery kick, leave some of those seeds in. Just a tiny pinch of seeds can crank up the heat significantly. And if you want to cool things down a bit, maybe serve it with something lovely and refreshing like this iced tea sometime.
Also, for that perfect char on the grill, make sure your grill grates are super clean and give them a quick oiling before you lay the chicken down. This stops it from sticking and helps you get those beautiful grill marks. And remember, chicken cooks differently depending on the cut, so keep an eye on it. Don’t be afraid to give it a little press with your fork to check for juices running clear. It’s all about that juicy, smoky finish!
Serving Suggestions for Piri Piri Chicken
This Piri Piri Chicken is so vibrant and full of flavor, it practically screams for some equally delicious companions! To really balance out that amazing spicy kick and make your meal sing, I always reach for some fresh, bright sides.
A big, crisp salad is a must. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, or maybe a creamy coleslaw to cool things down. And of course, you can’t go wrong with fluffy rice – it’s perfect for soaking up any extra Piri Piri sauce clinging to the chicken. For something a bit more substantial, some roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn on the cob are fantastic. Oh, and for a super refreshing counterpoint, this watermelon mint smoothie is just divine alongside it!
Storing and Reheating Your Piri Piri Chicken
So, you’ve got some delicious Piri Piri Chicken left over? Lucky you! To keep it tasting fantastic, let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay yummy in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to chow down again, gently reheat it. My favorite way is in a baking dish in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just enough to warm it through without drying it out! A quick zap in the microwave works too, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get tough.
Frequently Asked Questions about Piri Piri Chicken
Got questions about this zesty Piri Piri Chicken? I’ve got answers! It’s pretty straightforward, but a few things pop up now and then. Let’s clear them up so you can get cooking! And hey, if you’re curious about other tasty treats, you should totally check out this chocolate banana smoothie sometime!
Can I make Piri Piri Chicken in the oven?
Absolutely! If your grill is out of commission or the weather isn’t cooperating, baking is a fantastic alternative. Just lay your marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet (you can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup – a trick from my Aunt Carol!) and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and totally cooked through. So easy!
What can I substitute for chilies in Piri Piri Chicken?
No chilies? No problem! The easiest swap is for a good pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You won’t get the exact same fruity kick, but you’ll definitely get that heat! If you don’t have any chilies at all and want to keep it mild, you can skip them, but it won’t have that signature Piri Piri zing, you know? For a milder option, a little red bell pepper can add a bit of sweetness and color without the heat.
How spicy is this Piri Piri Chicken recipe?
This recipe, as written with deseeded chilies, gives you a nice, pleasant warmth – I’d say a medium spice level. It’s got a kick that lets you know it’s Piri Piri, but it’s not overwhelming for most people. If you’re sensitive to spice, definitely remove all the seeds and membranes from the chilies, or use fewer chilies. If you like it HOT, then leave the seeds in or even add an extra chili or a little bit of chili flakes to the marinade!
Can I make the Piri Piri marinade ahead of time?
You most certainly can! In fact, I often make the marinade a day in advance. Just mix everything up in a bowl or jar, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. This gives the flavors even more time to meld together, which I think makes the final Piri Piri Chicken even tastier. Just make sure you give it a good whisk or shake before you toss your chicken in it.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are pretty much a best guess for this amazing Piri Piri Chicken! Since brands and exact ingredient amounts can change things up, think of this as a handy guide. We’re looking at roughly 350 calories per serving, with about 20g of fat (but most of that is the good kind!), a solid 30g of protein to keep you full, and around 10g of carbs. It’s a great meal that’s packed with flavor without being too heavy. Yummy!
Print
Piri Piri Chicken
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spicy and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a Piri Piri sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, deseeded and chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chilies, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the seeds in the chilies.
- You can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Piri Piri chicken, spicy chicken, grilled chicken, African chicken, peri peri