10 Piri-Piri Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Fire up your taste buds and get ready for a flavor explosion with these 10 piri-piri chicken recipes you absolutely must try! From spicy piri-piri chicken wings and juicy piri-piri chicken breasts to flavorful piri-piri chicken thighs and crispy piri-piri chicken legs, we’ve got every cut covered. Whether you prefer a classic piri-piri marinade, a quick piri-piri sauce, or a fiery piri-piri dry rub, these recipes will show you how to make delicious piri-piri chicken every time. So grab your piri-piri peppers, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fall in love with the vibrant flavors of piri-piri chicken!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Zesty Marinade and Creamy Yogurt Dip

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken wings using the convenience of an air fryer. The secret lies in a flavorful marinade that infuses the wings with a delicious blend of savory and spicy notes. Paired with a cool and creamy yogurt-based dipping sauce, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2.2 lbs chicken wings, cut and tips removed

For the Marinade:

• 3-4 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Ginger (powdered or freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (piri piri, Valentina, Tabasco, etc.)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt

For Cooking:

• 2-3 tbsp sugar-free barbecue sauce

For the Yogurt Dip:

• 2 containers Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp herb cream cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dill
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Wings: Place the chicken wings in a freezer bag or a large bowl. Add all the marinade ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring the wings are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably 8 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat and Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Brush with the remaining marinade and barbecue sauce.
3. Air Fry: Cook for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through (after 10 minutes) to ensure even browning and crispiness.
4. Prepare the Dip (Optional): While the wings are cooking, combine all the dip ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Remove the crispy wings from the air fryer and serve immediately with the prepared yogurt dip (optional).

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make air fryer chicken wings!

Easy Peri-Peri Grilled Chicken

This recipe provides a simple method for creating flavorful peri-peri grilled chicken. The peri-peri sauce, made with roasted yellow peppers, delivers a smoky sweetness balanced by the pungent heat of chilies. Marinating the chicken ensures it absorbs all the delicious flavors, resulting in a tender and juicy final dish.

Ingredients

Peri-Peri Sauce

• 3 yellow bell peppers (grilled and peeled)
• 1.5 teaspoons paprika
• 9 garlic cloves
• Salt (to taste)
• Olive oil (as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2.5 teaspoons thyme
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons ginger

Chicken

• Chicken (whole or pieces)
• Salt (to taste)
• 8 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• Olive oil (as needed)

Instructions

1. Roast the Peppers: Preheat oven. Place the yellow bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the skins are blackened. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then peel and discard the skins.
2. Make the Peri-Peri Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and thick.
3. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and olive oil. Rub the mixture all over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare for Grilling: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated chicken in an oiled baking tray.
5. Grill the Chicken: Bake the chicken for 60-70 minutes.
6. Add the Peri-Peri Sauce: About 10 minutes before the chicken is fully cooked, brush generously with the peri-peri sauce. Return to the oven and continue cooking until done.
7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Baked Chicken Nuggets: A Healthy Twist

These baked chicken nuggets offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets, while still delivering on flavor and crunch. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun snack for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 600g chicken breast fillet
• 60g oats
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp Nando’s Peri-Peri salt or chicken salt

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 155
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 6g

Instructions

1. Prepare the oat flour: Pour oats into a blender or food processor and blend until a fine flour forms. Add the paprika, garlic powder, and Peri-Peri or chicken salt to the oat flour and mix well.

2. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast fillets into bite-sized cubes.

3. Prepare the egg wash: In a bowl, whisk the egg.

4. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken cube in the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the oat flour mixture. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve: Serve the baked chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce. A sweet and sour sauce complements the flavor perfectly.

Spicy Piri Piri Chicken Monte Cristo

This recipe puts a spicy spin on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich using leftover rotisserie chicken and piri piri sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for using up leftovers and satisfying a craving for something savory and spicy.

Ingredients

• Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Use as much as you’d like.
• Piri Piri Sauce: Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Bread: 3 slices
• Butter: 1.5 tablespoons
• Large Egg: 1
• American Cheese: 2 slices

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the leftover rotisserie chicken with your desired amount of piri piri sauce. Mix well and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until lightly beaten. Set aside.

3. Assemble the sandwich by layering the ingredients in this order: bread, cheese, chicken mixture, bread, chicken mixture, cheese, and finally another slice of bread.

4. Dip all sides of the assembled sandwich into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.

5. Melt the butter in a frying pan over high heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to medium-high.

6. Carefully place the egg-dipped sandwich into the frying pan and cook until golden brown and crispy on each side, flipping as needed.

Easy Peri-Peri Chicken

This recipe provides a simple method for creating delicious peri-peri chicken. With just a few key ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a flavorful and spicy meal.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken
• 2 tbsp curd
• 2 tbsp Nando’s peri-peri sauce
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp paprika powder

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper powder, salt, peri-peri sauce, paprika powder, hot sauce, and curd. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves or parsley.

Easy Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken

This recipe provides a simple method for creating delicious, flavorful grilled Peri-Peri chicken. Using a whole chicken and readily available Peri-Peri sauce (like Nando’s), you can achieve restaurant-quality results right at home.

Ingredients

• One 3-pound whole chicken
• Peri-Peri sauce (Nando’s hot sauce recommended)
• Cooking spray or oil
• Two metal skewers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken by cutting along one side of the backbone and splitting it open. Flatten the legs and thighs. Secure the chicken’s shape by inserting metal skewers crosswise: one from breast to breast at the top, and another from thigh to thigh at the bottom.
2. Preheat the Grill: Grease the grill grates with cooking spray or oil. Heat the grill to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Initial Cooking (Indirect Heat): Turn off one burner to create an indirect heat zone. Place the chicken on the indirect heat side (over the burner that’s off), breast-side down, for 20 minutes.
4. Continue Cooking (Indirect Heat): Flip the chicken breast-side up and continue cooking on indirect heat for another 20 minutes.
5. Apply Peri-Peri Sauce (Indirect Heat): Brush the chicken generously with Peri-Peri sauce. Cook for 5 minutes per side (10 minutes total) on indirect heat.
6. Finish Cooking (Direct Heat): Brush on another layer of Peri-Peri sauce and cook for 5 minutes per side (10 minutes total) on direct heat (over the lit burners). This will give the chicken a nice char and enhance the flavor. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Serve: Remove the skewers. Serve the grilled Peri-Peri chicken with extra Peri-Peri sauce for dipping and your favorite side dishes.

Piri-Piri Chicken Pita Pockets

These flavorful Piri-Piri Chicken Pita Pockets are a quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Tender shredded chicken is combined with a vibrant mix of vegetables and a creamy, spicy Piri-Piri sauce, then nestled inside warm pita bread and topped with melted cheese. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

• 4-5 Pita Breads
• 1 cup boiled chicken, shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp carrot, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp cabbage, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp piri-piri sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp pepper powder
• 1/4 tsp mixed herbs
• Grated cheese as needed
• Chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Boil and shred the chicken. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and cabbage.

2. Make the Piri-Piri sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, piri-piri sauce, cream cheese, and tomato sauce. Mix well. Add the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.

3. Assemble the pita pockets: Gently create a pocket in each pita bread by scraping out some of the bread from the middle. Fill each pita with the chicken filling. Sprinkle with grated cheese and chili flakes (if using).

4. Bake: Bake the filled pita pockets in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Peri-Peri Chicken Crepes

This recipe guides you through creating delicious savory crepes filled with a flavorful peri-peri chicken filling. The recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, from preparing the spicy peri-peri sauce and tender chicken filling to making delicate crepes from scratch and assembling the final dish. Learn how to perfectly fold and seal your crepes for a beautiful presentation and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the Peri-Peri Sauce:

• 4 dry red chilies
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or regular vinegar)
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• Salt to taste

For the Chicken Filling:

• 100g minced chicken (keema) or finely chopped chicken breast
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• Handful of spring onion greens

For the Crepes:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

For the Flour Paste:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Prepare the Peri-Peri Chicken:

1. Blend all peri-peri sauce ingredients. (Store-bought peri-peri sauce can be substituted.)
2. Marinate the chicken in the peri-peri sauce for at least an hour.

Make the Crepes:

1. Whisk together the egg, melted butter, milk, and salt.
2. Gradually add the flour, whisking until a smooth, thin batter forms. Use minimal water.
3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot pan, swirling to spread thinly.
4. Cook until set, then flip and cook the other side. Do not brown.
5. Stack the cooked crepes on a plate.

Make the Flour Paste:

1. Combine the flour and water to create a thick paste.

Cook the Chicken Filling:

1. Sauté the diced onion in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until done over medium-low heat, covered.
3. Season with salt to taste and stir in spring onion greens.

Assemble the Crepes:

1. Place a crepe on a plate. Add two tablespoons of chicken filling to the center.
2. Fold one side of the crepe over the filling. Apply flour paste to the opposite edge and seal the crepe lengthwise.
3. Apply flour paste to the remaining open sides and fold to create a square shape.

Pan-fry and Serve:

1. Pan-fry the sealed crepes in olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
2. Serve hot, garnished with spring onion greens.

Flavorful Piri-Piri Chicken Thighs

This recipe guides you through creating delicious and easy Piri-Piri chicken thighs. The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors, resulting in a tender and juicy dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 skinless chicken thighs
• 2/3 red chili peppers (remove seeds if desired for less heat)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine all ingredients (chilies, paprika, oregano, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper) in a mini chopper or food processor and blend until a smooth paste forms.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Score the chicken thighs a few times to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat. Place the chicken in a non-metallic dish. Pour the piri-piri marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
3. Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a foil-lined baking tray. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
4. Serve: Serve the flavorful Piri-Piri chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as rice and a fresh salad.

Homemade Peri-Peri Chicken

This recipe guides you through making delicious peri-peri chicken from scratch, including a vibrant, homemade peri-peri sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken

For the Peri-Peri Sauce:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 lemon
• 4 chilies padi (bird’s eye chilies)
• 5 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• 30 ml white vinegar
• 2 tbsp oregano
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp paprika powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peri-Peri Sauce Ingredients: Wash and chop the bell pepper. Peel and wash the garlic cloves. Juice the lemon. Wash the chilies.

2. Make the Peri-Peri Sauce: Gently heat the olive oil and white vinegar in a saucepan. Add the bell pepper, garlic, lemon juice, and chilies. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the oregano, paprika powder, chili powder, and salt. Simmer for another 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then blend until smooth. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight for optimal flavor.

3. Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly wash the chicken and pat it dry. Butterfly the chicken by cutting it open through the breastbone and spreading it flat. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and coat evenly with the peri-peri sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the chicken for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve the chicken with the remaining peri-peri sauce.

History of Piri-Piri Chicken

Piri-piri chicken, that fiery, flavorful dish, has a fascinating history rooted in both African and Portuguese culinary traditions. The story begins with the piri-piri pepper itself, a small, potent chili brought to Africa from the Americas by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. The name “piri-piri” comes from the Swahili word for “pepper-pepper,” highlighting its intense heat.

The Portuguese colonists in Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Angola, quickly embraced the piri-piri chili, incorporating it into their cuisine. They developed a marinade using the chili, often combined with lemon juice, garlic, and other spices. This marinade became the foundation for piri-piri chicken, where chicken is typically marinated, then grilled or roasted to perfection.

The dish gained popularity in the African diaspora, spreading to other parts of the world, including Portugal itself. In Portugal, piri-piri chicken became a beloved staple, particularly in the Algarve region. From there, its fame continued to grow internationally, cementing its place as a culinary favorite.

Nutritional Content and Benefits of Piri-Piri Chicken

Piri-piri chicken, while undeniably delicious, also offers some nutritional benefits. Chicken itself is a great source of lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6.

The piri-piri sauce, typically made with chili peppers, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, adds another layer of nutritional value. Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system. Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including supporting cardiovascular health.

It’s important to note that the nutritional content can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. For example, using skinless chicken breast will result in a lower fat content compared to using chicken thighs with the skin on. Similarly, the amount of added oil or sugar in the marinade can impact the overall calorie and sugar content. Therefore, mindful ingredient choices can help you enjoy this flavorful dish while keeping it a healthy part of your diet.

Tips for Choosing Quality Chicken

Selecting the right chicken is crucial for any recipe, especially when it comes to flavorful dishes like Piri-Piri chicken. A few key things to look for will ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

First, check the color. Fresh chicken should have a pinkish-hue. Avoid chicken that looks grey or has any discoloration.

Next, give it a smell test. Fresh chicken has a very mild aroma. Any strong or unpleasant odor is a sign of spoilage.

Texture is also important. The chicken should feel firm and springy to the touch. Avoid chicken that feels slimy or sticky.

Pay attention to the packaging. Ensure it’s properly sealed and check the “sell by” or “use by” date. If buying pre-cut chicken, ensure the pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.

Finally, consider the source. Whenever possible, choose chicken from reputable butchers or grocery stores known for their high-quality meat. Look for labels like “free-range” or “organic” if those are important factors for you.