Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spicy African Marinade

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

Juicy grilled chicken infused with a spicy and tangy peri-peri marinade, inspired by African flavors. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, peri-peri sauce, lemon juice 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 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp smoked chili powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) to the marinade, rubbing the mixture evenly over all surfaces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is charred and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spicy African Marinade?

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 Spicy African 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 Spicy African 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 Spicy African Marinade?

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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