Peri-Peri Chicken
Updated: Mar 12
Greetings food lovers! As a chef, I'm excited to share my recipe for Peri-Peri wet rub with you. This is a delicious blend of flavours that originated in South Africa with a Portuguese influence. If you're looking for a way to take your meals to the next level, then this is the perfect recipe for you! So, grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a tantalizing taste sensation. Let's get cooking!
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What is Peri Peri?
Peri peri seasoning is a unique and flavourful blend of spices that originated in Africa and has since become popular around the world. The name "peri peri" comes from the Swahili word for "pepper pepper," which is a nod to the spiciness that is characteristic of this seasoning blend.
Peri peri seasoning is made by combining a variety of spices, including chili peppers, paprika, garlic, lemon, and onion, to create a bold and flavourful blend. The exact combination of spices can vary depending on the region and the individual chef, but the result is always a spice blend that is both spicy and savoury, with a hint of tang from the lemon and a slightly sweet undertones from the paprika.
The popularity of peri peri seasoning can be traced back to its origin in Africa, where it was first used as a marinade for grilled meats. Over time, peri peri seasoning has spread to other parts of the world and has become a staple of many different cuisines. It is now commonly used in dishes such as grilled chicken, seafood, and vegetables, as well as in sauces and marinades.
One of the reasons that peri peri seasoning has become so popular is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes and can be adjusted to suit different tastes. For those who like their food on the mild side, peri peri seasoning can be used sparingly, while those who like their food spicy can use more to increase the heat.
Peri peri seasoning is a unique and flavourful blend of spices that has become a staple in many different cuisines around the world. With its bold and savoury flavour, versatility, and ability to be adjusted to suit different tastes, it is no wonder that peri peri seasoning has become so popular. Whether used as a marinade for grilled meats, in sauces, or as a spice blend in a variety of dishes, peri peri seasoning is a must-have ingredient for anyone who loves bold and flavourful food.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serving size: 4 portions
Dry Ingredients for Peri Peri Spice Blend:
2tbsp of paprika
2tbsp of ground coriander
1tbsp of dried oregano
1tsp of dried parsley
1/2tsp ground cardamom
1tsp of birds eye chilli powder (Adjust to your spice preference)
1tsp of black pepper
pinch of mace
1tbsp of salt
1tsp of sugar
Wet ingredients for Peri Peri Chicken:
4 chicken breasts or legs (legs require longer cooking time and lower temperature)
1 small onion, peeled and cut into four
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1tsp of fresh ginger, peeled and diced
1/4 of lime, skin on
3/4 lime juice
vegetable oil (enough to bring everything together)
2tbsp of Peri Peri spice blend (Add more if you prefer)
How to prepare Peri Peri Chicken:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly. For optimal flavour preservation, store the spice blend in a vacuum-sealed container.
2. Using a food processor, blend onion, garlic, fresh ginger, Peri Peri spice blend, lime with skin and juice, until a smooth paste is formed. Add just enough oil to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Score the chicken and thoroughly coat it with Peri Peri blend. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least one day before cooking.
4. To begin, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're cooking chicken breasts, place them on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 72°C (162°F). For chicken legs, make sure the internal temperature reaches 82°C (180°F), and allow them to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. To achieve this, grill the chicken legs at a lower temperature for a longer time, around 35-45 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy the delicious, spicy flavour of your peri peri chicken! Just needs some French fries and salad!
From Author:
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Cooking Tips for Peri Peri Chicken:
Use a meat thermometer - Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 72°C (162°F) for chicken breasts and 82°C (180°F) for chicken legs. Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough, while undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
Adjust the spiciness - If you prefer a milder flavour, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers used in the wet rub or remove the seeds. Conversely, if you want it hotter, increase the amount of chili peppers.
Rest the chicken - After cooking the chicken, allow it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps to retain the juices, resulting in moist and tender meat.
Try different cooking methods - While grilling is the most common way to cook peri peri chicken, you can also try baking or pan-frying it. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Serve with sides - Peri peri chicken goes well with a variety of sides such as rice, salad, grilled vegetables, or potatoes. Experiment with different sides to find your favourite combination.
Check out my other chicken recipes:
Chicken Shawarma - famous Lebanese kebab and a cousin of a Turkish doner kebab.
Chicken Tandoori - Of all the South Asian dishes Chicken Tandoori is definitely one of my favourites.
Chicken Massaman Curry - Massaman is a Thai Curry with peanut butter, finger-licking good!
Chicken Gyros Kebab - Delicious grilled chicken in a very aromatic Greek spice blend.
