Peri Peri Chicken (Spicy Portuguese-African Grilled Chicken)
This fiery, flavorful dish is inspired by Nando’s-style chicken, marinated in a bold peri peri (African bird’s eye chili) sauce and grilled to perfection. Here’s how to make it at home!
Ingredients
For the Peri Peri Marinade/Sauce
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10–12 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust for heat)
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 lemon, juiced + zest
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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½ cup olive oil
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tbsp honey or sugar (balances heat)
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1 tsp salt
For the Chicken
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4–6 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breast)
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Salt & black pepper (to taste)
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Extra lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Make the Peri Peri Sauce
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Blend: In a food processor, combine chilies (remove seeds for milder heat), garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne, vinegar, honey, and salt.
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Emulsify: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
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Taste: Adjust salt, sweetness, or heat as needed.
2. Marinate the Chicken
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Coat chicken generously with ⅔ of the sauce, reserving the rest for basting.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best flavor).
3. Cook the Chicken
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Grill Method:
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Preheat grill to medium-high.
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Grill chicken for 6–8 mins per side, basting with extra sauce, until charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
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Oven Method:
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 mins, then broil for 5 mins for crispiness.
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Stovetop: Sear in a cast-iron skillet for 6–8 mins per side.
4. Serve
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Drizzle with reserved sauce and serve with lemon wedges, fries, or coleslaw.
Tips for the Best Peri Peri Chicken
🔥 Heat Control: Use fewer chilies or remove seeds for milder heat.
🍗 Bone-In vs. Boneless: Thighs/drumsticks stay juicier than breast.
🌿 Fresh Herbs: Add cilantro or parsley for freshness.
🛒 Shortcut: Use store-bought Nando’s Peri Peri sauce if in a hurry!
Sides to Pair With It
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Portuguese rice (with bell peppers & tomatoes)
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Grilled corn (brushed with leftover marinade)
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Garlic bread or peri peri fries
This dish is spicy, tangy, and addictive—perfect for summer grilling or a bold weeknight meal! Want to adjust the heat level or cooking method? Let me know! 😊🌶️
