Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the heat and flavor straight from the heart of Africa! Our Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Thighs are not just a meal; they are an experience that will transport you to a vibrant world of spices and zest. With a perfect blend of spicy peri peri sauce and juicy chicken, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at your next gathering or a delightful weeknight dinner. So, if you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, keep reading to discover how to make this mouthwatering delight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup peri peri sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure even marinade absorption and better grilling results.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together to create a uniform marinade.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Place marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill, skin-side down. Grill for 6-8 minutes until skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken, which adds brightness to the spicy peri peri flavor.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, marinate your chicken thighs overnight. This allows the peri peri sauce to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Preheat Your Grill: Always ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F) before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that perfect crispy skin while keeping the inside juicy.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling. Bringing it to room temperature ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy, tender meat every time.
- Let it Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.
- Brighten with Lemon: Serve your grilled chicken with fresh lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon not only enhances the spicy flavors but also adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 312kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
