Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spicy Chili Marinade

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a fiery peri-peri sauce, a beloved spicy condiment from Southern Africa and Portugal. This african ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, red chili peppers, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 4 large chopped red chili peppers, 6 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar; blend until smooth to form the peri-peri marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag; pour the peri-peri marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until skin is crisp and charred in spots; flip and grill for another 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 before serving. Pair with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spicy Chili 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 Spicy Chili 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Spicy Chili 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 Chili 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 Chili 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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