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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Peri Peri Chicken, Spicy Chicken Drumsticks, Smoky Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Baked Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe