Peri-Peri Chicken with Irish Whiskey and Lemon

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

Chicken thighs marinated in fiery peri-peri sauce and finished with Irish whiskey for a bold, aromatic finish. This irish-inspired chicken ready in about 48 minutes pairs bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, peri-peri sauce, Irish whiskey 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: 30 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce, 2 tbsp Irish whiskey, 1 lemon zested and juiced, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs chicken thighs in a shallow dish, pour marinade over them, and rub to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken, pour remaining marinade into the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes, basting occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a plate, rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley and serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Peri-Peri Chicken with Irish Whiskey and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (30 min prep + 18 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 Peri-Peri Chicken with Irish Whiskey and Lemon?

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 Peri-Peri Chicken with Irish Whiskey and Lemon?

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 Peri-Peri Chicken with Irish Whiskey and Lemon 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 Peri-Peri Chicken with Irish Whiskey and Lemon?

Irish 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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