Peri Peri Chicken

Peri Peri Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of tingling heat and bright acidic flavor. It’s marinated for maximum moisture and spice – don’t skip this easy yet extraordinary Nandos chicken recipe!

Mouthwatering Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

Vibrant citrus and peppery heat are the best flavors to add to any chicken dish. In our Nandos chicken recipe, we let the chicken soak in lemon and orange while resting in a spicy marinade prepared with ground herbs and spices. 

The marinade makes it extra juicy – it can even sit overnight, making this peri peri chicken recipe the perfect overnight dish!

Creating the perfect spicy dish can be tricky, but we think we have it figured out! Try our 5 ingredient Cranberry Chicken Wings, Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with a hot mayo sauce, or this Spicy Avocado Dressing you can add to almost anything! And for more of our favorite chicken recipes, try Ground Chicken Burger, Keto Chicken Tenders, Szechuan Chicken, Smothered Chicken, and Pulled Chicken.

Why you will love Peri Peri Chicken

• A quick and easy marinade that adds incredible flavor while it rests
• Adjustable spice levels to suit your palate
• Guaranteed moist, succulent chicken every time
• You can mix and set the marinade the night before for time-saving meal prep
• Leftovers keep for up to a week!

How to Make Perfect Peri Peri Chicken

Step 1: Add all of the peri peri marinade ingredients (everything except for the chicken and water) to a blender or food processor. Process until completely mixed and smooth.

Step 2: Add the sauce to a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes or so to really meld the flavors and release the oils in seasonings and peppers. 

Step 3: Put the chicken in a freezer bag or large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken, tossing it to coat, and cover well. Let it marinate for 4 to 24 hours. 

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375F before baking. Transfer the marinated meat to a baking tray, move it to the oven, and pour ½ cup of water into the baking tray – this helps the skin to crisp up while maintaining a moist interior.

Step 5: Bake for 40 minutes or until the meat reaches 165F with a browned, crisped skin. 

Pro Tips for This Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

Pro Tip 1: Make extra sauce to add when plating.

Pro Tip 2: Marinating time can vary. Let the meat rest in the peri peri marinade for at least 4 hours, but it could marinate for up to a day. 

Pro Tip 3: If you’re having a hard time achieving that smooth, thick texture in the sauce, you can add a bit more olive oil to the mixture ½ teaspoon at a time.

Pro Tip 4: A food processor or blender is absolutely needed for this recipe – merely mixing, chopping, and grinding on your own won’t achieve the same smoothness. 

Frequently asked Questions about Grilled Peri Peri Chicken

What is peri peri chicken? 

It’s a dish made with chicken marinated in a relatively spicy pepper sauce – it is definitely for those who enjoy spice! 

It is generally made with bone-in cuts of chicken, which gives you the most moisture and flavor possible, though you could really apply the marinade to any cut.

Is peri peri chicken Portuguese or African?

The dish was created in South Africa but influenced by Mozambique Portuguese that passed through the country hundreds of years ago. 

What does peri peri chicken taste like?

It’s very spicy! The smoky, peppery heat is cut with citrus juice – a bit of sharpness from lemon, and a floral acidity from orange. The meat itself is tremendously tender and juicy after marinating.

Keep in mind that the heat can be easily adjusted. Extra heat can be achieved with an additional ½ – 1 teaspoon of cayenne, while less pepper can take away some of the spice.

What should I serve with peri peri chicken?

Saucy dishes are always best served with rice or bread. Additionally, a green salad or side of stir fried or roasted vegetables would add some must-needed freshness to your plate.