Peri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
Introduction
Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant Portuguese-style dish known for its bold, spicy flavors and tender, juicy meat. This recipe combines garlic, chili, and lemon to create a marinade that brings smoky heat and zesty freshness to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves 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 extra heat, add more chili flakes or a fresh chopped chili to the marinade.
- Marinate overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the chicken further.
- If you don’t have a grill, roasting in the oven at 400°F (200°C) works perfectly.
- Try swapping dried oregano for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
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 keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving to prevent dryness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken breasts or thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster. Ensure they are marinated well for maximum flavor.
How spicy is Peri Peri Chicken?
The spice level depends on the amount of chili flakes used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes according to your preference.
PrintPeri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
This Portuguese-style Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant, spicy grilled chicken dish marinated in a tangy blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Perfectly charred and bursting with flavor, it’s ideal for a flavorful dinner served with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients
Peri Peri Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredient
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the flavorful Peri Peri marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Heat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to about 400°F (200°C). This will help achieve a nice char and juicy interior.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill or in the oven. Grill or roast until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and beautiful char marks or golden brown skin, usually about 25-30 minutes. Turn occasionally for even cooking.
- Serve: Serve your Peri Peri Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a crisp side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors for the best results.
- You can adjust chili flakes according to your desired spice level.
- If grilling isn’t an option, roasting in the oven works equally well.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Portuguese Chicken, Spicy Grilled Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Grilled Chicken Recipe
