Peri-Peri chicken made with Peri-Peri chilli is a delicious BBQ dish famous in Africa, Portugal and other former colonies of Portugal in Asia. Peri-Peri chilli was considered to be first discovered by Portuguese explorers in the South African territories (Mozambique and its border regions with South Africa). It is also known as bird's eye chilli in some parts of the world. It is understood that Portuguese brought this chilli to Portuguese colonies in Asia and South India. Kandari Mulaku in Kerala, India is considered to be the same genre of Peri-Peri chilli. Red Thai chilli Or Vietnamese red chilli are the variations of Peri-Peri chilli.
Peri-Peri is rich in vitamins and minerals and holds metabolism enhancing and curative properties. The green variety is packed with Vitamin C. The red genre has more Vitamin A than fresh carrot and sun drying increases the carotene content.
Ingredients
1 large red onion, roughly chopped
1 large red bell pepper, roughly chopped
8-10 garlic cloves
8-10 bird's eye red chillies (Increase chillies according to your spice level)
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp smoked paprika
¼ cup vinegar juice
½ lemon
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (Or any other oil)
Salt to taste
Preparation
In a food processor/blender, combine all ingredients for marinade and process until smooth. Marinate the chicken.
Transfer all the ingredients of the marinade to a saucepan and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool. In a food processor/blender, process until paste is smooth. This will be your Peri-Peri sauce for chicken marination and for dipping after the chicken has cooked.
You can keep this marinade in the fridge for later use. Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks or thighs and mix to coat.
Allow to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours to overnight in the fridge (For best results, keep it overnight in the fridge).
Cook it on stove top, or in OTG Oven at 180 Degree Celsius for 30 min or in any Air Fryer or BBQ grill.
If you are using any air fryer, preheat the oven to roast at 375 Degree Fahrenheit, bake for 15 - 20 minutes until lightly crisp on the outside as well as juicy and tender in the middle.
Enjoy your Peri-Peri chicken!
