Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky grilled chicken marinated in fiery peri-peri spices served alongside creamy sweet potato mash infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. This african-inspired father’s day ready in about 95 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, peri-peri sauce, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 70 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup peri-peri sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add 4 chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, place 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until very tender.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs skin side down for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crisp and charred in spots, then flip and grill another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Drain sweet potatoes and return to pot. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and additional salt if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled peri-peri chicken alongside the spiced sweet potato mash, spooning any reserved peri-peri marinade warmed over the chicken for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (70 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 peri-peri sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Sweet Potato Mash 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 Sweet Potato Mash?

African father’s day 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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