Why This Recipe Works

The success of this recipe lies in the use of the peri peri sauce to marinate the chicken, infusing it with intense flavors. Butterflying the chicken ensures an even cooking process, allowing the chicken to cook through quickly while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The basting process throughout the cooking ensures that the chicken stays moist and flavorful. The slight sweetness from the sugar or honey in the marinade balances the heat from the chilies, giving the chicken a perfect depth of flavor. Finally, the crispy roasted potatoes make for the perfect side dish to soak up the flavors of the chicken.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Peri Peri Sauce: The main ingredient for the marinade. Made from bird’s eye chilies, garlic, onion, and various herbs and spices, the peri peri sauce is what gives the chicken its signature spicy and tangy flavor.

• Sugar or Honey: A touch of sugar or honey helps balance out the heat in the peri peri sauce, making the marinade well-rounded and not overly spicy.

• Whole Chicken: Butterflying the chicken helps it cook evenly and quickly, allowing the skin to crisp up while keeping the meat juicy. The skin also helps lock in the marinade’s flavors.

• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the natural flavors of the meat and the peri peri sauce.

• Basting: Periodic basting during the baking process ensures that the chicken remains juicy and that the peri peri sauce adheres to the chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior.

How to Make Baked Peri Peri Chicken

This recipe is straightforward, making it an easy choice for a delicious dinner that requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Butterfly the chicken by cutting along both sides of the backbone. Turn the chicken over and press it down to flatten it. This allows the chicken to cook more evenly.

• Season the chicken generously with salt, ensuring all sides are well-seasoned.

2. Make the Marinade

• In a small bowl, mix the peri peri sauce with sugar or honey. Stir until the sugar or honey is well incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

3. Marinate the Chicken

• Pour the peri peri marinade over the chicken. Use a spoon to smear the sauce under the skin on the breast to ensure the chicken is well-coated.

• Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

4. Bake the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the marinated chicken in an ovenproof dish and bake for 45-60 minutes, basting every 15-20 minutes with the marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. For a more crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest the Chicken

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

6. Serve

• Slice and serve the chicken with sides like roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Baked Peri Peri Chicken (based on 1 piece of chicken, including some sauce) provides approximately:

• Calories: 398 kcal. A hearty serving that offers both flavor and satisfaction without being too heavy.

• Carbohydrates: 7 grams. The sugar in the marinade provides a small amount of carbs, but it’s a fairly low-carb dish overall.

• Protein: 30 grams. The chicken provides a solid amount of protein, making this a great choice for muscle repair and growth.

• Fat: 26 grams. The chicken skin and the olive oil used in the marinade contribute to the fat content, giving the chicken a rich texture.

• Saturated Fat: 7 grams. The fat from the chicken skin provides the saturated fat in this dish.

• Cholesterol: 120 mg. The chicken and butter contribute to the cholesterol content, but it remains moderate.

• Sodium: 503 mg. The peri peri sauce and salt add to the sodium content, but it’s balanced with the other ingredients.

• Potassium: 436 mg. The chicken and spices provide a small amount of potassium, contributing to overall health.

• Fiber: 0.4 grams. There is minimal fiber in this dish, but pairing with a side like roasted vegetables or rice can add fiber.

• Sugar: 4 grams. The honey or sugar in the marinade contributes to the sweetness, balancing the heat.

Serving Suggestions

• With Roasted Potatoes: Serve this spicy chicken with crispy roasted potatoes to balance out the heat and add a comforting, crunchy side.

• With Rice: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious peri peri sauce and provide a hearty side.

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lemon dressing or a cucumber salad adds freshness to the rich, spicy chicken.

• Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled vegetables, like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots, for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Baked Peri Peri Chicken is the perfect meal for those who love bold, spicy flavors. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful peri peri marinade, this dish offers a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness. Paired with crispy roasted potatoes or your favorite sides, this meal is sure to become a family favorite or a go-to dish for weeknight dinners. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, this finger-licking good recipe will definitely spice up your dinner routine.