Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Africa right to your kitchen! This Peri Peri Chicken Breast recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines succulent chicken with a spicy, zesty marinade that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish promises to impress with its bold flavors and simple preparation. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to making the best peri peri chicken you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp peri peri sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning and browning.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- In a small bowl, mix peri peri sauce and olive oil to create a marinade, coating each chicken breast thoroughly.
- Let chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken breasts to the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Transfer skillet with chicken to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Slice chicken breasts and serve hot, optionally drizzling additional peri peri sauce on top for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Allow the chicken breasts to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Don’t skip the step of patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Season Generously: When seasoning with salt and pepper, be generous! This enhances the flavor of the chicken and complements the peri peri sauce beautifully.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to really let those flavors soak in.
- Sear for Texture: Searing the chicken in a hot skillet before baking not only adds a delightful crispy texture but also locks in the juices for a moist finish.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and delicious eating.
- Let it Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy, tender meat as it allows the juices to redistribute.
- Extra Sauce: For an added kick, drizzle more peri peri sauce over the sliced chicken before serving. It takes the flavor to another level!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
