Description
Peri Peri Chicken is marinated in a bold, spicy, and citrusy sauce made with chilies, garlic, paprika, and lemon. Grilled or roasted, it delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a vibrant kick—perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic
- 4 red Fresno chili peppers, seeded
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (or other sweet pepper)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup mild olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/3 cup sherry vinegar
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 chicken leg/thigh quarters
- Kosher salt, to taste (for seasoning chicken)
Instructions
- Combine garlic, chilies, bell pepper, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne, sugar, and onion powder in a blender.
- Add oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Reserve a small amount of marinade for serving. Pour remaining marinade into a resealable bag.
- Make shallow cuts in chicken skin, season with salt, and add to the bag. Seal and massage marinade into chicken. Refrigerate for 8–24 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium and oil the grate. Grill chicken skin-side down over indirect heat for 5 minutes. Turn and continue grilling 10–12 minutes per side, up to 1 hour total. Baste with reserved marinade while cooking.
- Alternatively, roast chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- Swap Fresno chilies for jalapeños or serranos as needed.
- Reduce spice by omitting habanero and cayenne.
- Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for added smokiness.
- Spatchcock a whole chicken for larger portions.
- Store leftover chicken in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese-African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 leg quarter
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
