Peri-peri chicken is a dish that originates from Portuguese cuisine, specifically in the African countries of Mozambique and Angola where the Portuguese settled. This dish is made with a spicy peri-peri sauce that gives it its signature flavor. In this blog post, we will discuss how to make peri-peri chicken in Portuguese, using authentic ingredients and cooking methods.

What is peri-peri sauce?

Peri-peri sauce is a spicy sauce that is made with chili peppers, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. This sauce is commonly used in Portuguese cuisine, and is used to marinate chicken, fish, or shrimp. Here are some important details to know about peri-peri sauce:

Ingredients

The key ingredients in peri-peri sauce are chili peppers, lemon juice, garlic, and spices such as paprika, cumin, and oregano. The type of chili peppers used can vary depending on the region, but common ones include bird’s eye chili, habanero, or peri-peri chili.

History

The origins of peri-peri sauce can be traced back to Portuguese colonization of Mozambique and Angola. The sauce is named after the peri-peri chili, which is a small, fiery chili pepper that is native to Mozambique.

Variations

There are many variations of peri-peri sauce, with each region or restaurant having their own unique recipe. Some recipes call for vinegar or tomato paste, while others use additional spices like ginger or coriander.

Uses

Peri-peri sauce is commonly used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp, but can also be used as a condiment or dipping sauce. It pairs well with a variety of dishes and adds a spicy kick to any meal.

 

Also try: the “Peri-Peri chicken recipe for food just the way you want! “

How to make peri-peri chicken

Now that we know what peri-peri sauce is, let’s discuss how to use it to make peri-peri chicken in the Portuguese style. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or a combination)

1/2 cup peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a large bowl, mix together the peri-peri sauce, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Cooking:

Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

Grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 25-30 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving:

Serve the peri-peri chicken with side dishes, such as rice, potatoes, vegetables, or a salad.

Drizzle any leftover marinade or peri-peri sauce over the chicken for added flavor.

Tips for perfect peri-peri chicken

To ensure that your peri-peri chicken turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Marinating

Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, is important to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Grilling

If grilling, make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking. You can also use a grill pan on the stove if you don’t have access to a grill.

Baking

If baking, use a baking sheet or roasting pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also place the chicken on a wire rack to allow the heat to circulate evenly.

Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Homemade peri-peri sauce recipe

While store-bought peri-peri sauce is readily available, making your own sauce can add an extra layer of flavor to your peri-peri chicken. Here is a simple recipe for homemade peri-peri sauce:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peri-peri chili peppers, stemmed and seeded

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a blender or food processor, blend the chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.

Add the paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and blend again until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Storage

Store the peri-peri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage.

Conclusion

Peri-peri chicken made in the Portuguese style is a delicious and spicy dish that can be easily made at home. Marinating the chicken in peri-peri sauce can infuse it with flavor and create a unique and flavorful meal. Whether you use store-bought peri-peri sauce or make your own, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
2. Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster than dark meat. To prevent this, you can marinate the chicken breasts for a shorter time and cook them for a shorter time as well.
3. Is peri-peri chicken really spicy?
4. It can be, depending on the amount of chili peppers used. However, you can adjust the heat level by using fewer chili peppers or removing the seeds.
5. Can I use peri-peri sauce for other dishes?
6. Yes, peri-peri sauce is versatile and can be used as a marinade or condiment for other dishes such as fish, shrimp, or vegetables.
7. Can I make peri-peri sauce ahead of time?
8. Yes, you can make peri-peri sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.