This spicy Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken is made with juicy chicken thighs, fiery red chilies, fresh garlic, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. The result is a tender, smoky, and tangy main course with a serious flavor kick. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a lively weeknight dinner and serves 4 people.
Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Peri Peri Marinade:
- 4-6 red chilies, roughly chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 small red onion, roughly chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
How To Make Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine all the marinade ingredients: red chilies, garlic, red onion, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, lemon juice and zest, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant paste.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a sealable plastic bag. Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for later. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high or your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes per side. If baking, place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Create the basting sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. This cooks the raw ingredients, making it safe to use as a sauce.
- Baste and serve: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the simmering sauce over the chicken thighs. Serve immediately with any extra sauce on the side.
Recipe Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For the most intense flavor, let the chicken sit in the marinade overnight. This gives the spices and acidity time to tenderize the meat and infuse it deeply.
- Control the Spice Level: The heat comes from the chilies. To make a milder version, be sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes from the chilies before blending them.
- Score the Chicken: Before adding the marinade, make a few shallow cuts in the skin and meat of the chicken thighs. This helps the flavorful marinade penetrate deeper into the chicken.
- Always Cook the Extra Marinade: Never use leftover marinade as a sauce without cooking it first. Since it has been in contact with raw chicken, you must bring it to a boil for a few minutes to kill any bacteria and make it safe to eat.
What To Serve Peri Peri Chicken
This fiery peri peri chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a simple spicy rice or a creamy potato salad to balance the heat. For classic barbecue sides, try grilled corn on the cob, a fresh and crunchy coleslaw, or simple garlic bread. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also provides a refreshing contrast to the chicken’s bold flavors.
How To Store Peri Peri Chicken Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage. Place the cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will cook much faster, so reduce the grilling or baking time to about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- How do I make the marinade spicier? To increase the heat, leave the seeds in the red chilies when you blend the marinade. You can also use a hotter variety of chili, such as bird’s eye chilies, for an extra kick.
- Can I make the marinade in advance? Absolutely! The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen and become more complex as it sits.
- What if I don’t have a grill? No problem. You can cook the chicken on a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Leftover Lamb Shepherd’S Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Healthy Fish Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Green Curry Recipe
Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken Recipe
Description
This Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant and spicy sauce made from red chilies, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon. It’s a fiery, tangy, and smoky dish that’s perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Peri Peri Marinade:
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Blend all marinade ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with two-thirds of the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Reserve the rest of the marinade.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Create the sauce: Boil the reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 5 minutes to make it safe to eat.
- Baste and serve: Brush the cooked sauce over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Serve hot.
