The smoky aroma of grilled Peri Peri chicken wafts through the air, igniting memories of backyard barbecues and gatherings with friends. This fiery dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in just a couple of hours, making it a perfect choice for a weekend feast. The marinade, rich with chilies and herbs, ensures each piece of chicken is tender and bursting with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for spice lovers and anyone looking to impress their guests. It’s ideal for a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner. For best results, you can marinate the chicken in advance, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The marinade has a unique, spicy flavor from a blend of chilies and herbs.
- Cooking over charcoal gives the chicken a fantastic smoky taste.
- It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and hands-on time.
- You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients for a flavorful Peri Peri chicken:
For the Marinade
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/4 pound red Serrano chilies, seeded
- 1/4 pound red jalapeno chilies, seeded
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 teaspoons blackening seasoning
- 1/2 fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds, quartered, or chicken pieces)
Use an assortment of fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil.
- Use any variety of hot peppers for different heat levels.
- Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried if necessary.
- Chicken thighs can replace the whole chicken for juiciness.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Peri Peri chicken.
Prepare the Marinade
Seed and roughly chop the bell pepper, Serrano chilies, and jalapeno chilies. Add them to a food processor along with garlic, blackening seasoning, cilantro, basil, oil, and lemon juice. Whirl until the marinade is fairly smooth but retains small chunks. Taste the marinade; if the blackening seasoning is unsalted, adjust with more salt. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade in the refrigerator for basting later.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag and add the remaining peri peri marinade. Squeeze out the air from the bag, seal it, and gently toss to ensure the chicken is coated evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Grill
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature. Set up your grill for direct heat cooking over medium heat (350°-400°F), preferably using lump charcoal. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Oil the Cooking Grate
Using grill tongs and a wad of oiled paper towels, lightly oil the cooking grate to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grill the Chicken
Cook the chicken over hot coals, turning it every 5-6 minutes to prevent burning. Cook until the chicken reaches about 10°F below your final temperature, which will take around 40-50 minutes (150°F in the thickest part of the breast or 155°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone).
Baste and Finish Cooking
Baste the chicken with half of the reserved peri peri marinade and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Turn the chicken over, baste with the remaining marinade, and cook until the chicken reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the breast and at least 165°F in the legs and thighs, about 5 more minutes.
Serve the Chicken
If desired, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and season with additional salt before serving.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the chicken marinate for as long as possible for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure your grill is preheated for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness.
- Baste generously for added moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a colorful side.
- Serve alongside a refreshing salad for a light meal.
- Consider rice or couscous to soak up the flavorful juices.
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