Description
Deliciously spicy and smoky peri peri chicken that is marinated for maximum flavor and grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 red chili peppers
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Peri Peri Marinade – In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, chili peppers, red bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, and honey. Blend until smooth and vibrant. The sauce should smell bold and fresh with a balance of smoky spice and citrus brightness.
- Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the peri peri marinade over the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight gives the best flavor. As the chicken marinates, the spices and citrus work together to tenderize the meat while building deep flavor in every bite.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven – For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Chicken – Grill the chicken for about 30–35 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with extra marinade, until fully cooked and lightly charred. If roasting in the oven, bake for 40–45 minutes until the skin becomes golden and slightly crisp. The sauce caramelizes beautifully during cooking, creating smoky edges packed with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve – Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with rice, roasted potatoes, salad, or grilled vegetables. The juicy chicken paired with the smoky peri peri sauce creates a meal that feels comforting, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavors.
- Adjust the number of chili peppers to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Oven
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 leg quarter
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg