Peri Peri Chicken

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our sensational Oven-Baked Peri Peri Chicken! This delightful recipe brings the bold and fiery flavors of Peri Peri to life, perfectly complementing succulent chicken thighs. The magic happens right in your oven, where the aromatic Peri Peri Rub infuses the chicken with its irresistible spiciness and tanginess. As the chicken bakes to golden perfection, the marinade caramelizes to create a mouthwatering glaze that will have you reaching for seconds. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every tender bite - a delightful feast for all your senses!

 

INGREDIENTS

4 Chicken Thighs, bone-in & skin-on
2 tablespoon Peri Peri Rub
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice, optional
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, or to taste

 

MISE EN PLACE

  1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix the Peri Peri Rub, lemon juice (if using), olive oil, and salt. Stir well to form a smooth marinade.
  2. Trim chicken: Using your knife, carefully cut away the excess skin from the chicken thigh. Follow the natural contour of the thigh and trim any loose or hanging skin.
  3. Coat the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure to coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the mixture and cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator: If time allows, let the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavors. (If lemon juice is omitted, the chicken can marinate for up to 24 hours, see notes).
  5. Adjust your oven racks to the middle position. (This is ideal for most foods since it allows the hot air to circulate around the wings, resulting in even cooking.)

 

PREPARATION METHOD

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature for baking.
  2. Prepare the baking pan: Line a baking pan with foil or parchment paper to make cleaning up easier.
  3. Place the chicken on the baking pan: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs baking pan, skin side up.
  4. Bake the chicken: Place chicken thighs in the preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy.
  5. Rest the chicken: Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender, flavorful chicken.
  6. Serve your delicious and spicy Peri Peri Baked Chicken Thighs as a main course alongside your favorite sides.

 

NOTES:

Marinating chicken in lemon juice can add a bright and tangy flavor to the meat, but it also comes with its pros and cons.

  • Pros: The acidity in lemon juice can help tenderize the chicken, making it more succulent and juicy.
  • Cons: Lemon juice is highly acidic, and if the chicken is marinated for too long, it can cause the meat's texture to become mushy or too soft.