Piri Piri Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to Spicy Perfection

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors with a little bit of zest, then Piri Piri Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite dish. This Portuguese-inspired recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a deliciously fiery piri piri sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result? A flavorful, spicy, and tangy meal that’s perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.

Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner, a barbecue treat, or an exciting new recipe to spice up your weeknight meals, Piri Piri Chicken Thighs are sure to hit the spot. They’re easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and guaranteed to please anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meals.

Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible Piri Piri Chicken Thighs recipe, and why it’s a must-try for spice lovers!

Why You’ll Love Piri Piri Chicken Thighs

Full of Flavor: Piri Piri sauce is a flavor-packed marinade that combines spicy chili, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic. The result is a tangy and spicy flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced.
Juicy and Tender: Chicken thighs are the perfect cut of meat for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, even after grilling or roasting.
Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and straightforward cooking process, these chicken thighs are easy to prepare and make a delicious weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for dinner parties.
Customizable Heat Level: The heat in this dish comes from the chili peppers in the piri piri sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it as mild or as fiery as you want!
Perfect for Grilling or Roasting: Whether you prefer to cook them on the grill for that smoky char or roast them in the oven for convenience, these chicken thighs come out perfect every time.

Ingredients for Piri Piri Chicken Thighs

To make this Piri Piri Chicken Thighs recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. While some of the spices may be new to you, they’re well worth seeking out for the authentic flavor they bring to this dish.

For the Piri Piri Marinade:

6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use boneless thighs if preferred)
4–5 fresh red chili peppers (adjust the number depending on how spicy you want the dish to be; you can use bird’s eye chilies or regular red chilies)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon honey (to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking:

Olive oil (for drizzling or basting)
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Piri Piri Chicken Thighs

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