A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish: Try this Homemade Peri Peri Chicken Recipe Tonight
Peri peri chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that originated in Portugal and is popular in many parts of the world. The dish gets its name from the peri peri chili pepper, which is a key ingredient in the marinade. This dish is perfect for those who love a little bit of heat in their meals. Here’s a unique peri peri chicken recipe that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2-3 peri peri chili peppers, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, mix together the chopped peri peri chili peppers, onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks to the marinade and make sure they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For a spicier peri chicken, use more peri peri chili peppers.
- If you can’t find peri peri chili peppers, you can use red pepper flakes instead.
- You can also grill the marinated chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.
Peri peri chicken is best served with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a salad. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.