Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Citrus Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in a spicy citrus peri-peri sauce, grilled to perfection with smoky char and vibrant flavors. This african ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs (skin on), red chili peppers (fresh, chopped), garlic cloves (minced) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 3 chopped medium fresh red chili peppers, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the peri-peri marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until crisp and charred.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and continue grilling for an additional 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving with rice or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Citrus Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Citrus Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves (minced) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Citrus Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Citrus Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Citrus Marinade?

African african like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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