If you’re craving a meal that bursts with smoky heat and a tangy twist, then Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks are your new best friend. This vibrant dish marries a fiery yet flavorful marinade with juicy chicken drumsticks that are tender inside and packed with a crispy, charred exterior. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or impressing guests, these Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks will spice up your kitchen and your taste buds with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet bold flavors: Combines smoky, tangy, and spicy notes in a balanced marinade that delights every bite.
Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights.
Versatile meal option: Great for grilling, roasting, or baking, fitting well with various cooking preferences.
Kid-friendly spice level: Adjust the heat to suit everyone’s taste, making it crowd-pleasing at any table.
Meal prep friendly: Can be marinated ahead of time and keeps well for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating those signature bold, smoky, and tangy flavors of Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks. The marinade ingredients soak into the chicken, infusing every morsel with vibrant, aromatic spices and heat.

Chicken drumsticks: The star of the dish, best with skin on for crispy texture.
Peri Peri sauce or fresh chilies: Adds fiery, smoky heat essential to the recipe.
Lemon juice: Brings refreshing tang and helps tenderize the meat.
Garlic cloves: Imparts a rich, savory backbone to the marinade.
Smoked paprika: Elevates the smokiness with a subtle sweet undertone.
Olive oil: Creates a silky marinade and helps achieve crisp skin when cooked.
Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
Dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal earthiness to complement the heat.

Variations

Feel free to tweak this recipe based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs. Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks are incredibly adaptable and open to flavor twists that’ll keep the recipe exciting and fresh.

Vegetarian option: Use roasted cauliflower florets marinated in the same sauce for a plant-based twist.
Different heat levels: Swap fresh red chilies for milder bird’s eye or increase for extra kick.
Herb-infused marinade: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic hit alongside the classic peri peri flavors.
Smoky barbecue style: Mix a bit of chipotle chili powder to deepen the smoky notes.
Sweet and spicy glaze: Stir in honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the spicy marinade.

Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks with Spicy Tangy Marinade

How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, peri peri sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant and aromatic mixture.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to coat every piece, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Cooking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat your grill to medium-high. Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Drumsticks

Arrange the drumsticks evenly on the baking tray or grill, leaving space between each. Cook for 30-35 minutes in the oven or about 20-25 minutes on the grill, turning halfway through, until the skin is crispy and meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices before serving. This step ensures every bite is tender and juicy.

Pro Tips for Making Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

Marinate longer for better flavor: Overnight marination allows the spices to deeply permeate the chicken.
Use skin-on drumsticks: Skin crisps up beautifully and holds in moisture during cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between drumsticks to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out your chicken.
Adjust spice to taste: Add a touch more lemon or honey to balance the heat according to preference.

How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or coriander brightens the dish with a pop of green and fresh herbal notes, while a wedge of lemon adds a zesty kick right at the table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or charred grilled vegetables to balance the fiery spice with comforting, neutral flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the drumsticks stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of garlic mayo or cool yogurt dip, making it a communal feast your friends and family will love digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked drumsticks by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to bring back the crispy skin without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

FAQs

What is Peri Peri sauce?

Peri Peri sauce is a chili-based sauce originating from Africa and Portugal, known for its spicy, tangy, and smoky flavor profile made from African bird’s eye chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy, though cooking times might vary slightly depending on size.

How spicy is Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks?

The heat level is customizable; you can reduce or increase the chili amounts to suit your taste and tolerance.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor, even 2 hours can yield delicious results if you’re short on time.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, baking in a hot oven produces great results and crispy skin, making it an easy indoor cooking option.

Final Thoughts

Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks are a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that turns simple chicken into a bold flavor adventure. With a marinade that’s smoky, spicy, and tangy, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your cooking repertoire. So grab those drumsticks, fire up your oven or grill, and get ready to enjoy a meal that truly spices up your weeknight dinners.

Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including marination time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a smoky, tangy, and spicy peri peri sauce. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, this recipe is simple to prepare and adaptable for grilling, roasting, or baking. Ideal for casual meals or impressing guests, it offers balanced heat and is customizable to suit all taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks, skin on

Marinade

3 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 tablespoons peri peri sauce or 2–3 fresh red chilies, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, peri peri sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant and aromatic mixture.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
Preheat and Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high. Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Cook the Drumsticks: Arrange the drumsticks evenly on the baking tray or grill, leaving space between each. Cook for 30-35 minutes in the oven or 20-25 minutes on the grill, turning halfway through, until the skin is crispy and meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices before serving. This ensures every bite is tender and juicy.

Notes

Marinate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
Use skin-on drumsticks for a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Space drumsticks evenly during cooking to prevent overcrowding and ensure even caramelization.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
Adjust spice level by varying the amount of chili or adding honey/lemon to balance heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: African-Portuguese Fusion