Peri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
Introduction
Peri Peri Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Portuguese dish known for its spicy, tangy marinade and perfectly grilled chicken. It’s a simple recipe that brings exciting flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
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 smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or grilling over charcoal.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes or substitute with sweet paprika.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavors and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish to add brightness.
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 maintain juiciness. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender.
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 work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of Peri Peri?
You can use the same Peri Peri marinade on vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, or tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
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Peri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and spicy Portuguese-style Peri Peri Chicken marinated with garlic, lemon, paprika, and chili flakes, then grilled or roasted to perfection, offering a flavorful and tender meal perfect for grilling season or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
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
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 and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and ensure each piece is evenly coated by massaging the bag gently. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat your cooking method: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- 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 fully cooked, approximately 25-35 minutes depending on the size of pieces, turning occasionally to get beautiful char marks and even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the Peri Peri Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or coriander and lemon wedges for a citrusy finish. Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes for more or less heat depending on your preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safety and juiciness.
- If grilling isn’t available, roasting in the oven provides excellent results with a crispy skin.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Portuguese Chicken, Spicy Grilled Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Barbecue Chicken
