Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Peri Peri Chicken is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a top-tier chef right in your own kitchen. Smoky, zesty, and packed with just the right amount of spice, it’s no wonder this recipe has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of foodies all over the world.

The best part? You can whip it up on a budget without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

Ready to bring some fiery magic to your dinner table? Let’s dive into how to make this budget-friendly, flavor-packed masterpiece!

What Makes Peri Peri Chicken So Special?

The magic of Peri Peri Chicken lies in its marinade. A perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors comes together to create something truly unforgettable. This dish is inspired by African and Portuguese cuisines, and it’s the kind of recipe that’ll have your family asking for seconds (or thirds).

Plus, the marinade is incredibly versatile. Not only does it work wonders on chicken, but you can also use it on shrimp, tofu, or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian twist. It’s a true culinary chameleon.

Ingredients for Peri Peri Chicken:

Before you embark on your culinary journey, gather these essential ingredients:

Bell peppers: Adds sweetness and a smoky base.
Onion: For depth and flavor.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better.
Chili peppers: Brings the heat. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Paprika: Adds smokiness. Smoked paprika works great too.
Black pepper: Balances the heat with a touch of earthiness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Lemon juice: For a zesty tang.
Parsley: Brings freshness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity for balance.
Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and budget-friendly.

These simple ingredients come together to create a marinade that’s bold, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.

Cost Per Serving

One of the best things about this recipe (besides the flavor explosion) is how affordable it is. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Ingredient Costs:

2 Red Bell Peppers: $2.00
2 Chili Peppers: $0.50
1 Small Onion: $0.50
1 tbsp Minced Garlic: $0.10
1 tsp Paprika: $0.05
1 tsp Black Pepper: $0.05
½ tsp Salt: $0.01
¼ cup Lemon Juice: $0.30
¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar: $0.10
1 Handful Parsley: $0.25
6 Boneless Chicken Thighs: $7.00

Total Recipe Cost: $10.86
Servings: 4
Cost Per Serving: $2.72 per serving

By using cost-effective ingredients like chicken thighs and pantry staples, this flavorful dish comes just under $3 per serving making this a budget-friendly recipe without sacrificing taste!

Step 1: Creating the Flavorful Base

The base of this dish is its bold and vibrant marinade. Here’s how to make it:

Char Your Veggies: Start by roughly chopping your bell peppers and onions. Roast them in a hot pan until they get beautiful charred edges. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to your marinade.
Prep the Chili Peppers: Adjust the spice level by removing the seeds from your chili peppers. If you’re all about the heat, leave them in!
Blend It All Together: Toss the roasted veggies, chili peppers, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pro tip: Add a splash of olive oil to make the marinade extra silky.

This step is where the magic happens. The smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors come together in a harmony that’ll have you licking the spoon.

Step 2: Cooking Peri Peri Marinade

Once your marinade is blended, it’s time to bring out its full potential:

Simmer for Perfection: Pour the marinade into a saucepan and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step helps all the flavors meld together and creates a more robust sauce.
Set Some Aside: Save a small portion of the marinade to use as a dipping sauce later. Trust me, you’ll want it.

Simmering the marinade also fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma that’s a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Now it’s time to let your chicken soak up all that flavor:

Coat the Chicken: Generously rub the marinade over each chicken thigh, making sure they’re fully covered.
Chill Out: Place the marinated chicken in a dish, cover it, and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For the best results, marinate overnight.

This step ensures that every bite of your chicken is bursting with flavor. Patience is key here—the longer it marinates, the better it tastes.

Step 4: Roasting Peri Peri Chicken

Finally, it’s time to cook your Peri Peri Chicken to juicy perfection:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F.
Roast the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
Optional Finishing Touch: For an extra layer of flavor, brush some reserved marinade onto the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

The result? Tender, juicy chicken with a smoky, spicy crust that’s utterly irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

Peri Peri Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

Classic Style: Serve it with a side of steamed rice or roasted potatoes.
Wrap It Up: Slice the chicken and add it to a pita or tortilla with fresh veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.
Make it a Bowl: Serve it up in a bowl with roasted peppers, corn, and arugula.
Light and Fresh: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a lighter option.

No matter how you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show.

Time to Dig In

And there you have it! Peri Peri Chicken is proof that bold flavors don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without breaking the bank.

So grab your fork, savor the spicy, smoky goodness, and enjoy the well-deserved praise from anyone lucky enough to share this dish with you!