PERI-PERI CHICKEN – SPICY MOZAMBICAN-INFLUENCED GRILLED CHICKEN
Peri-Peri Chicken is a fiery, flavor-packed dish inspired by Mozambican cuisine, featuring chili-marinated chicken grilled to smoky perfection. This bold barbecue favorite is both rustic and irresistible, perfect for spice lovers.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
- 6 fresh red chilies, chopped (100 g / 3.5 oz)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (20 g / 0.7 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (10 g / 0.35 oz)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (5 g / 0.18 oz)
- 1 tsp salt (5 g / 0.18 oz)
- 1 tsp black pepper (5 g / 0.18 oz)
PREP & COOKING TIMES
- Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 2–4 hours marinating)
- Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
- Total time: 55–60 minutes active, plus marinating
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make the marinade: Blend chilies, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper into a smooth paste.
2. Marinate the chicken: Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
3. Prepare the grill: Light coals and allow them to burn down to medium heat.
4. Grill the chicken: Place chicken pieces on the grill. Cook for 35–40 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred outside and fully cooked inside.
5. Serve: Enjoy hot with rice, chips, or fresh bread, and a cooling salad.
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
- Adjust chili quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Grill over medium coals to avoid burning while ensuring chicken cooks through.
- Baste with leftover marinade during grilling for extra juiciness.
- Pair with cooling sides like coleslaw or yogurt dip to balance the heat.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING, APPROX. 1 PIECE)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
DIETARY TAGS
- High-protein
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Contains meat (non-vegetarian)
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
- Contains capsaicin (from chilies) – may cause sensitivity for some individuals
- Vinegar may contain sulfites depending on brand
- No nuts or dairy unless cross-contamination occurs