Peri-Peri Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe for Spicy, Juicy Perfection

This Peri-Peri Chicken is a fiery, tangy, and smoky dish that hits all the right notes. Made from scratch with a homemade peri-peri sauce, this recipe brings Nando’s-style flavors straight to your kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are infused with a spicy marinade, perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this dish delivers bold flavor every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and tender – Bone-in, skin-on chicken stays succulent
• Bold, spicy flavor – Homemade peri-peri sauce with chilies, paprika, and citrus
• Versatile cooking – Grill, oven, or air fryer options
• Customizable heat – Adjust chilies for mild or extra fiery
• Make-ahead sauce – Prepare the sauce up to a week in advance

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken thighs (2 lbs, bone-in, skin-on, about 8 pieces) – Juicy, flavorful base

For the Peri-Peri Sauce

• African Bird’s Eye chilies or red Thai chilies (4–6, de-stemmed) – Adds heat and flavor
• Red bell pepper (1, quartered) – Sweetens and balances the spice
• Yellow onion (½ medium, quartered) – Aromatic base
• Garlic cloves (6, peeled) – Adds depth and savoriness
• Olive oil (¼ cup) – For smooth blending and roasting
• Red wine vinegar (¼ cup) – Brings tangy brightness
• Lemon juice (¼ cup, freshly squeezed) – Fresh citrus lift
• Smoked paprika (1 tbsp) – Adds smokiness
• Dried oregano (1 tsp) – Herbal note
• Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances all flavors

How to Make Peri-Peri Chicken

Make the Peri-Peri Sauce

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chilies, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic with a drizzle of olive oil on a small baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender, add remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt. Blend until completely smooth.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour over about two-thirds of the peri-peri sauce, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting and serving. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, basting with reserved sauce during the last few minutes. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25–35 minutes until cooked through. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for crispier skin.

Serve

Let chicken rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve hot with extra peri-peri sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

• Adjust spice level – Remove chili seeds for milder heat or add extra chilies for fiery flavor
• Store leftovers – Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Make-ahead sauce – Can be made up to a week in advance
• Use a meat thermometer – Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time

Equipment Needed

• Grill, oven, or air fryer – Depending on preferred cooking method
• Blender – For smooth peri-peri sauce
• Meat thermometer – To check doneness
• Baking sheet – For roasting vegetables if using oven

Recipe Variations

• Milder Version – Use fewer chilies and remove seeds
• Extra Smoky – Add chipotle powder to the sauce
• Spicy Marinade Twist – Mix peri-peri sauce with yogurt for a creamier marinade
• Peri-Peri Wings – Substitute chicken thighs with wings for a snack or appetizer

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or potato wedges
• Pair with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up sauce
• Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs for brightness
• Make it a BBQ feast with a side of salad or coleslaw

FAQs

How spicy is peri-peri chicken? Medium to hot, depending on chilies used; remove seeds for milder heat.
Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but cook time will be shorter and meat may be slightly less juicy.
Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes, it keeps up to a week in the fridge.
Is this freezer-friendly? Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months; reheat gently.
Can I cook this in an air fryer? Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Final Thoughts

This Peri-Peri Chicken is spicy, smoky, and irresistibly juicy. Homemade sauce gives full control over heat and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals, BBQs, or dinner parties. Serve it with sides that soak up every drop of the sauce and enjoy bold, flavorful chicken that’s bursting with Portuguese and South African flair.

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