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Take your chicken dishes to the next level with this Peri Peri Chicken Marinade! Bursting with bold flavors from roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a kick of spice, this marinade is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Inspired by classic peri peri flavors, it’s a surefire hit for any occasion. This marinade not only works wonders in tenderizing and flavoring your meat but also leaves you with extra sauce to drizzle over the grilled chicken for an added burst of flavor. If you prefer no leftover sauce, you can double the quantity of chicken to use it all up.

Why You’ll Love This Peri Peri Marinade

This recipe brings the heat and zest of traditional peri peri flavors right into your kitchen. The smokiness from roasted bell peppers, the tanginess of lemon, and the spice from chillies come together in a vibrant, aromatic blend that makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 750g chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or any cuts of your choice)

For the Roasted Ingredients

• 2 large onions
• 1 head garlic (cloves separated, skin on)
• 2 red bell peppers or 1 red and 1 yellow
• 8 dried red chillies – bydagi or kashmiri for colour
• 4 green chillies

For the Marinade

• Roasted ingredients (listed above)
• 15g fresh parsley
• 10g fresh coriander leaves
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp peri peri seasoning or paprika powder or red chili powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the onions, garlic (skin on), bell peppers, dried red chillies, and green chillies on a baking tray. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly charred.

VERY IMP: Remove the dried red chillis after a few minutes to avoid burning

2. Blend the Marinade

Let the roasted ingredients cool slightly, then peel the garlic cloves. In a blender, combine the roasted vegetables, parsley, coriander leaves, oregano, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, black pepper, and peri peri seasoning. Blend until smooth.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken pieces generously with the peri peri sauce, ensuring each piece is fully covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor absorption.

4. Cook the Chicken

Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your peri peri chicken with grilled vegetables, buttery rice, or a fresh salad. Use any leftover marinade as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over the cooked chicken for an extra punch of flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Peri Peri Chicken

Charcoal Smokiness: For an authentic smoky taste, char the roasted ingredients over an open flame instead of using the oven. Spice Level: Adjust the number of chillies to your heat preference or balance the spice with a touch of sugar. Versatile Sauce: This marinade isn’t just for chicken—it pairs beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables.

Inspired by Traditional Peri Peri Flavors

This marinade draws inspiration from the vibrant flavors of peri peri sauce, originally from Africa and popularized in Portugal. The blend of roasted vegetables, citrus, and spices creates a bold yet balanced flavor profile that highlights the best of peri peri cooking.

Try More Flavorful Marinades

Love experimenting with marinades? Don’t miss these mouthwatering options:

• Mint Coriander Chicken Marinade: Herbaceous and refreshing with yogurt and lime.
• Malai Chicken Tikka Marinade: Creamy and rich, perfect for a luxurious Indian-style dish.
• Classic Chicken Tikka Marinade: Spicy and robust, a staple in Indian cuisine.

Get ready to elevate your meals with this Peri Peri Chicken Marinade and explore a world of flavors in your kitchen! 🌶🍗✨