Grilled Peri Peri Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone

Grilled Peri Peri Chicken is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its spicy and tangy flavors. Originating from Portuguese cuisine, this exciting recipe has become a favorite worldwide for its bold ingredients and succulent chicken. The fiery peri peri sauce, made from African bird’s eye chili, adds a punch that can be adjusted to your heat preference. Imagine biting into perfectly grilled chicken that is marinated with a piquant sauce, leaving you pondering how something so simple can taste so delicious!
Cooking this dish is not only a delight; it’s also an adventure. If you’re a fan of spicy food, the vibrant flavors of Grilled Peri Peri Chicken will elevate your meals and make them memorable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare this incredible dish, improve your grilling skills, and impress your friends and family. Whether it’s for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will undoubtedly impress with its amazing flavor and ease of preparation.
With its combination of spices, herbs, and citrus, Grilled Peri Peri Chicken embodies everything we love about food. It’s fiery, flavorful, and can be served in countless ways: with rice, in a wrap, or alongside roasted vegetables. You will dive into the recipe that delivers a culinary experience unlike any other. Get ready to fire up the grill and feast on some amazing chicken that will have everyone craving more!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Grilled Peri Peri Chicken doesn’t require endless hours in the kitchen. Here’s how the timing breaks down:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
– Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes (not including marinating)
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances the flavor. You can marinate it from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on how much time you have. The longer the wait, the tastier the chicken will be!

Ingredients

– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor)
– 4 tablespoons peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating perfect Grilled Peri Peri Chicken is as easy as following these simple steps:
1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the peri peri sauce, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Remove Chicken from Marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Grill Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 7-10 minutes. Then, flip them and grill for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The juices should run clear when cut.
7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
These steps will have you enjoying mouthwateringly tender and spicy Grilled Peri Peri Chicken in no time!

How to Serve

Serving Grilled Peri Peri Chicken is a great opportunity to get creative. Here are some suggestions to present this dish beautifully and enhance the flavors:
1. Pair with Sides: Serve alongside a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the spicy chicken.
2. Wrap It Up: Slice the grilled chicken and wrap it in flatbreads with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a delicious wrap.
3. Add Dips: Include dips like tzatziki or extra peri peri sauce on the side for anyone craving more heat.
4. Garnish: Serve with lemon wedges to add a citrusy zing that complements the spices.
5. Create a Platter: Arrange grilled chicken pieces on a large platter, garnished with herbs, and accompanied by colorful sides for a vibrant table centerpiece.
With these serving suggestions, your Grilled Peri Peri Chicken will not only be delicious, but it will also look enticing and inviting. Enjoy this incredible chicken, and savor each fiery, flavorful bite!

Recipe Variation

Get creative with these variations of Grilled Peri Peri Chicken:
1. Spicy Peri Peri Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a quick and spicy grill option.
2. Peri Peri Tofu: Marinate firm tofu in the peri peri sauce for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
3. Grilled Peri Peri Vegetables: Use your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, marinated in peri peri sauce for a vibrant side dish.
4. Peri Peri Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer them, and grill for fun appetizers.
5. Coconut Peri Peri Sauce: Add coconut milk to your peri peri sauce for a creamy, tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3-4 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Special Equipment

While making Grilled Peri Peri Chicken is quite straightforward, you may find these tools helpful:
– Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works best for this dish.
– Meat Thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
– Mixing Bowl: Utilize this for preparing your marinade.
– Resealable Plastic Bag or Container: Perfect for marinating the chicken.
– Tongs: For easily flipping the chicken on the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the peri peri sauce spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper or fresh bird’s eye chilies to the marinade for an extra kick.
→ Can I marinate the chicken too long?
While marinating overnight is ideal, marinating for more than 24 hours could make the chicken too salty or mushy.
→ Is Grilled Peri Peri Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, but always check your sauce if you’re using a store-bought version.
→ What should I serve with Peri Peri Chicken?
Great side dishes include rice, grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a light couscous.
→ Can I use this recipe for grilling indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler.

Conclusion

Grilled Peri Peri Chicken is a dish that not only satisfies but also excites. Its tantalizing blend of spicy, sweet, and zesty flavors makes it a standout choice for any meal. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste preferences, this chicken recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply treating yourself to a fantastic meal at home. With the right marinade and grilling techniques, you’ll be making mouthwatering chicken that everyone will love!

Print