Spice up your next cookout with Grilled Peri Peri Chicken, a show-stopping main that’s bold, zesty, and bursting with character. Each bite strikes the perfect balance between tangy heat and smoky char, thanks to a vibrant marinade and a quick grill over open flames. Whether you’re aiming to thrill spice lovers or simply want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this dish promises juicy, crave-worthy chicken every single time.

Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Grilled Peri Peri Chicken is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one elevates the end result. They all bring their own flair—think layers of spice, irresistible smokiness, and those colorful pops that make dinner feel festive.

Chicken leg quarters (or chicken breasts): The ultimate vessel for soaking up all that amazing flavor, juicy and tender after grilling.
Peri Peri sauce: The star of the show! Pick your favorite store-bought or homemade version for your perfect heat level.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade hug every inch of the chicken.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory punch that mingles perfectly with the chili flavors.
Onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: Adds that essential smoky undertone, complementing the char from the grill.
Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop and the chicken extra juicy.
Black pepper: A touch of warmth and sharpness to round out the spices.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional): Sprinkle for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze over the finished chicken brightens everything up—don’t skip it!

How to Make Grilled Peri Peri Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

First things first: in a mixing bowl, add your Peri Peri sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir until you have a vibrant, aromatic marinade that already hints at the epic flavors to come. If you want to tweak the heat level, this is your moment—taste and adjust until you’re happy.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade all over. Seal or cover, and work the chicken around so every piece gets coated in the spicy goodness. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can swing it, letting it marinate overnight makes the flavors extra intense—but even a short stint infuses lots of character.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

When you’re about ready to cook, get your grill hot—medium-high, ideally somewhere near 400°F (200°C). This ensures you’ll get a gorgeous char while keeping the chicken juicy inside. If you’re using charcoal, let it ashen over for even heat.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Grab the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place it skin-side down on the preheated grill. Listen for that sizzle! Cook for 10 to 12 minutes without fussing with it too much—you want beautiful grill marks and that irresistible smoky crust.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip each piece carefully, and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) on an instant-read thermometer. This is the sweet spot: perfectly cooked and still wonderfully juicy.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the Grilled Peri Peri Chicken on a platter and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few lemon wedges. Simple, vibrant, and ready for its close-up—or just for someone who can’t wait to dig in!

How to Serve Grilled Peri Peri Chicken

Garnishes

Nothing completes Grilled Peri Peri Chicken better than a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, giving it a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor. A couple of lemon wedges on the side let everyone adjust the zing just to their liking. If you want to feel extra fancy, add paper-thin rounds of red chili for some fiery flair.

Side Dishes

This chicken is fantastic alongside so many sides! Pair it with fluffy rice, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to cool down the spice. Roasted potatoes or a tangy slaw made with cabbage and carrots are also tried-and-true matches for that smoky, spicy punch.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the plate—slice leftover Grilled Peri Peri Chicken onto a bed of greens for a punchy salad, tuck it in warm pita wraps with yogurt sauce and vegetables, or serve over a grain bowl with bright veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce. Even mini sliders for game day will earn rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Grilled Peri Peri Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bold flavors often intensify overnight, so you might love it even more tomorrow. Slice or shred the chicken for easy sandwiches or tosses into salads.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Grilled Peri Peri Chicken—just let it cool completely first. Store portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For the best results, freeze chicken off the bone to make thawing and reheating super easy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot throughout, or give it a quick zap in the microwave if you’re short on time. To recapture a bit of that grilled texture, a few minutes in a hot skillet works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for Grilled Peri Peri Chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great—just remember they’ll cook faster, so start checking for doneness a little earlier to keep the meat juicy.

How spicy is Grilled Peri Peri Chicken?

It really depends on your Peri Peri sauce—some are mild and tangy, others will bring the heat. Taste your sauce first and adjust by adding a touch of cayenne if you want it fiery, or blend with a milder hot sauce for less punch.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken skin?

For irresistibly crispy skin, make sure your grill is preheated and let the chicken sear undisturbed for the first several minutes. Patting the skin dry before marinating also helps that golden crispiness shine.

How can I make Grilled Peri Peri Chicken without a grill?

If grilling isn’t an option, roast the marinated chicken in the oven at 425°F (220°C) on a rack for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and browned. A quick broil at the end will give some lovely char.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Totally! This recipe scales up easily. Just make sure not to crowd the grill so each piece cooks evenly and you get a nice char all around.

Final Thoughts

If bold, exciting flavors make you as happy as they make me, Grilled Peri Peri Chicken deserves a regular spot in your recipe rotation. It’s simple, a little adventurous, and always a crowd-pleaser—so don’t be surprised if it disappears fast. Give it a try at your next gathering or cozy family dinner, and watch everyone light up with delight!

Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Recipe