Piri Piri Fried Chicken: 5 Reasons It’s a Must Try Dish

Name: Piri Piri Fried Chicken: 5 Reasons It's a Must Try Dish
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces; 2 tablespoons piri piri sauce; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Oil for frying

piri piri fried chicken is a must try dish

1 września, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Przechodzimy do Przepisu·Drukuj przepis

Oh my goodness, let me tell you—piri piri fried chicken is an absolute must-try dish! It’s this incredible fusion of spicy flavors and a crispy texture that just makes my taste buds dance with joy. I remember the first time I tasted it at a little Portuguese restaurant. The moment I sank my teeth into that golden, crunchy crust, I was hooked! The heat from the piri piri sauce just sings, and paired with that juicy, tender chicken? Wow! It’s the kind of dish that transforms any meal into a celebration. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll be craving it again and again!

Ingredients for Piri Piri Fried Chicken

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious piri piri fried chicken! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 kg chicken, cut into pieces (I love using a mix of thighs and drumsticks for extra juiciness!)
2 tablespoons piri piri sauce (this is where the magic happens—feel free to use more if you like it spicy!)
1 cup buttermilk (this tenderizes the chicken and adds a lovely flavor—don’t skip it!)
2 cups all-purpose flour (for that crispy coating we all crave)
1 teaspoon paprika (this adds a beautiful color and smoky flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
1 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth to the flavor—trust me on this one)
1 teaspoon salt (to bring everything together)
1 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
Oil for frying (I usually go with vegetable or canola oil for frying; it works perfectly!)

Make sure to have these ingredients ready, and you’ll be well on your way to frying up some unforgettable chicken!

How to Prepare Piri Piri Fried Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing that glorious piri piri fried chicken! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.

Marinating the Chicken

First things first, let’s marinate the chicken! In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk and piri piri sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this is crucial for that tender, juicy bite we all crave! Cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it marinate overnight. Trust me, the longer it sits, the better the flavors will meld together. Just don’t rush this step—it’s where all the magic begins!

Preparing the Coating

Once your chicken is beautifully marinated, it’s time to prepare the coating! In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend is where the crispy crunch comes from, and it’s so important to mix it well to ensure every piece of chicken gets an even coating. I usually just whisk it together until it’s nice and uniform. When you’re ready, take each piece of chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off before tossing it in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it thoroughly—no naked chicken allowed!

Frying the Chicken

Now, let’s fry this beauty! Heat your oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is perfect for frying. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (this will help them get that gorgeous golden color). Fry them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through—just check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Once they’re perfectly fried, drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. And there you have it—crispy, spicy piri piri fried chicken ready to be devoured!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s talk about how to nail that perfect piri piri fried chicken! Here are some of my top tips to ensure your dish turns out absolutely delicious:

Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight. This extra time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, making the chicken even tastier and more tender. It’s worth the wait!
Adjusting Spice Levels: Not everyone has the same heat tolerance, so feel free to adjust the amount of piri piri sauce to your liking. Start with less if you’re unsure, and you can always add more later!
Oil Temperature: Always check the oil temperature before frying. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn while the inside remains raw. A good thermometer can be a game-changer for this!
Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to soggy chicken instead of that crispy texture we all love.
Drain Properly: After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps it crispy and prevents it from becoming greasy.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to serving up piri piri fried chicken that’s not just good, but truly phenomenal!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this piri piri fried chicken: it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some estimates to guide you, it’s always a good idea to double-check the nutrition labels on your products if you’re keeping an eye on your intake. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the flavors and the experience, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just savor every delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even start? You’re going to fall head over heels for this piri piri fried chicken! First off, the flavor is just out of this world—it’s got that perfect kick from the piri piri sauce that’ll have your taste buds singing. And trust me, the crispy coating? Pure bliss! It’s that satisfying crunch you crave, balanced beautifully with the juicy chicken inside.

But it’s not just about taste; this recipe is so easy to whip up! Once you’ve got the marinating down, the frying is a breeze. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion—family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Everyone will be asking for seconds, I promise you that! And if you’ve got little ones or friends who are a bit wary of spice, you can easily adjust the heat to make it just right for everyone. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this dish will impress without a ton of fuss. It’s a win-win in my book!

FAQ About Piri Piri Fried Chicken

Got questions about making the best piri piri fried chicken? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! While I love using thighs and drumsticks for their juiciness, you can definitely use chicken breasts or even wings. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose!

What if I can’t find piri piri sauce?

If you can’t find piri piri sauce at your local store, don’t stress! You can make a simple version at home using a mix of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and some spices. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still pack a flavorful punch!

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it totally is! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. Just keep in mind that fried chicken is best served fresh for that crispy texture, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to bring back some crunch!

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

You can definitely bake it, though it won’t have the same crispy texture as frying. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure it’s cooked through!

How can I make this dish less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of piri piri sauce in the marinade and use a less spicy variety. You can also add some honey or a touch of sugar to balance out the heat. Your taste buds will thank you!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got that mouthwatering piri piri fried chicken ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve it up for a complete meal experience! Trust me, the right sides can elevate this dish to a whole new level.

Fragrant Rice: A fluffy, fragrant rice would be a fantastic base. I love serving it with a squeeze of lemon or lime for that refreshing zing!
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken. Try a tangy vinegar-based slaw to balance out the heat!
Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables are a colorful and healthy addition. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and spices.
Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any extra piri piri sauce you might have on your plate—yum!
Fresh Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch to complement the richness of the fried chicken.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs and spices are always a crowd-pleaser and pair beautifully with the chicken!

And don’t forget a nice cold drink—maybe a refreshing iced tea or a crisp lager—to wash it all down. With these sides, you’ll have a meal that’s not just tasty, but truly memorable!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about how to store that delicious piri piri fried chicken you’ve made! If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case!), here’s how to keep them tasty for another meal.

First off, let the chicken cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your crispy coating soggy. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep all that flavorful goodness inside!

Stored properly, your piri piri fried chicken will last in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it should be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to maintain that crispy texture. The oven is your best friend here! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy. If you’re short on time, you can also reheat in an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your piri piri fried chicken even after the first delicious meal. Enjoy every last bite!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.