Peri Peri Chicken, a dish with a rich history, is a fiery and flavorful delight beloved worldwide. Its bold spice blend and irresistible smoky aroma have their roots in Southern Africa and were later popularized by Portuguese cuisine.
Course Dinner Lunch
Cuisine African, Portuguese
Keyword best peri peri chicken recipe
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Marination 3 hourshours
Servings 6
Ingredients
2lb chicken legs quarters
1/2cupolive oil
2tsplemon juice
2tspvinegar
3clovesgarlic
2tsp paprika
1mediumdiced red pepper
1mediumdiced onion
1/3cupchopped cilantro
3-4Africa bird's eye chili
1tspthyme
1tsporegano
salt to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Taste and adjust the sauce heat, sourness, saltiness, and tanginess. Add more salt, chili, or vinegar for tangier and lemon juice for more sourness.
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and slash each piece of the chicken diagonally a few times.
Add half the sauce to the chicken, and use your hands to rub the marinade into each piece.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 -6 hours or overnight. The longer it marinades better it tastes.
Preheat oven to 350° degrees
Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet shaking off the excess marinade without overcrowding.
Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 180° F
Brush the chicken with peri peri sauce about 10 minutes before the chicken is ready.
Serve the peri-peri chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!