Peri Peri Chicken Burger: How to Make the Perfect Chicken Burger
Jennifer
Craving a burger that packs a punch of spice and flavor? The Peri Peri Chicken Burger is here to tantalize your taste buds. Marinated in a fiery peri peri sauce and paired with a creamy perinaise, this burger is a mouthwatering fusion of heat, zest, and juiciness. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a quick dinner with a twist, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
IN This Post:
History of Peri Peri Chicken Burger Recipe:
The origins of peri peri (or piri piri) trace back to Portugal and Mozambique, where the sauce was traditionally used to flavor chicken. Peri peri,” derived from the African bird’s eye chili, translates to “pepper pepper” in Swahili. Portuguese explorers brought this fiery condiment back to Europe, blending local spices with African chilies to create the iconic sauce we know today. Over the years, peri peri sauce has evolved to include ingredients like garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika, enhancing its complexity.
The Peri Peri Chicken Burger is a modern twist on this classic, combining grilled chicken marinated in peri peri sauce with the convenience and charm of a burger. This fusion reflects global culinary trends, marrying bold flavors with comfort food. The dish’s adaptability makes it a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike, celebrating the rich heritage of peri peri while catering to contemporary tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Peri Peri Chicken Burger Recipe:
Bold and Spicy Flavors: The peri peri sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and smokiness that elevates the chicken to new heights. The fusion of fiery chili peppers with zesty lemon juice creates a sauce that ignites your palate while maintaining a harmonious flavor profile. Every bite offers a burst of taste, ensuring your meal is anything but ordinary.
Juicy and Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken ensures it stays moist and flavorful, making every bite a delight. The marinade not only infuses the meat with peri peri’s robust flavors but also tenderizes it, yielding a succulent texture. This guarantees that your burger remains juicy and satisfying.
Customizable Heat Levels: Whether you prefer a mild kick or fiery heat, you can adjust the spice to suit your palate. By varying the amount of chili or using milder pepper varieties, this recipe allows you to cater to different spice preferences without compromising on flavor.
Homemade Perinaise: The creamy peri peri mayonnaise adds a cooling contrast to the spicy chicken, rounding out the flavor profile. This easy-to-make condiment brings a touch of indulgence, perfectly balancing the burger’s spiciness with its rich, tangy creaminess.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to summer cookouts, this burger is sure to impress. Its vibrant flavors and adaptability make it a crowd-pleaser, whether served as a quick weekday meal or a centerpiece at your next gathering.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Adjust the Spice: Use more or fewer chili peppers in the peri peri sauce to control the heat.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Resting the cooked chicken helps retain its juices and ensures a tender texture.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the burger rolls prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a delightful crunch.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chili peppers, garlic, and lemon juice make all the difference in achieving vibrant flavors.
How To Make This Peri Peri Chicken Burger Recipe:
Peri Peri Chicken Burger: How to Make the Perfect Chicken Burger
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Mixing Bowls
- Frying pan or grill
- Tongs
- Spatula
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs recommended for juicier burgers)
- Olive oil for cooking
For Peri Peri Sauce:
- 1/4 cup red chili peppers fresh or dried, depending on spice preference
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For Perinaise (Peri Peri Mayonnaise):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Peri Peri sauce from the above recipe
For Assembling:
- 4 burger rolls toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Extra Peri Peri sauce optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of 1 cm (about 0.4 inches) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. If using thighs, trim them to a size slightly larger than your buns (factor in about 20% shrinkage as they cook).
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce: Combine all the Peri Peri sauce ingredients (chili, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, cumin, salt, and sugar) in a jug or blender. Use a stick blender or regular blender to blitz the mixture until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour 1/2 cup of the Peri Peri sauce into a bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Perinaise: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of the prepared Peri Peri sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat a BBQ grill and lightly oil the grates. 6. Cook the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes per side or chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Lower the heat if the chicken starts to char too much. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and place it on a plate. Loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. During this time, toast your burger rolls.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of Perinaise on the bottom of each toasted roll. Top with lettuce and tomato slices. 9. Add the cooked chicken and drizzle with more Peri Peri sauce and Perinaise if desired. Place the other half of the toasted roll on top to complete the burger.
- Serve and enjoy your spicy, juicy Peri Peri Chicken Burgers! 🍔🔥
Notes
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out.
- Spice Variations: Add cayenne pepper for extra heat, or use smoked chili for a deeper flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea to balance the heat.
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
Tips and Variations:
- Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a twist.
- Choose whole-grain or gluten-free buns to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Top with sliced avocado or pickled onions for added flavor and texture.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.
- Experiment with cheese toppings, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for added richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, the peri peri sauce can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Remove the seeds from the chili peppers or use milder varieties to tone down the heat.
Absolutely! Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
Ensure the mayonnaise is dairy-free, and avoid adding cheese as a topping.
Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad pair beautifully with this dish.
The Peri Peri Chicken Burger is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary adventure that combines the bold zest of peri peri with the comfort of a classic burger. Whether you love spice or enjoy discovering new flavors, this recipe guarantees a delicious and memorable meal. Give it a try today and take your burger game to the next level! Bon appétit!
Don’t forget to check out other Chicken Burger recipes and to share your results and leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your feedback!
