Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Paprika Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a fiery peri-peri sauce served with a smoky paprika dipping sauce. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes blends chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup peri-peri sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place skin side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is charred and crispy, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika with 1/4 cup water over low heat. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled peri-peri chicken with the warm spiced paprika sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Paprika Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Paprika Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Paprika Sauce?

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 Spiced Paprika Sauce 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 Spiced Paprika Sauce?

African chicken 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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